WINDHOEK, Sept 9: South Africa began their three-match ODI series against Namibia with a convincing 99-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method on Wednesday.
Batting first, South Africa produced a powerful performance to score 348 for six in their allotted 50 overs. Namibia faced a difficult chase but rain interrupted the contest and reduced their innings to 31 overs.
The hosts managed 162 for eight before the revised target proved beyond their reach, handing South Africa a comfortable opening victory.
South Africa’s batting unit provided the foundation for the result, maintaining a high scoring rate throughout their innings and putting Namibia under considerable pressure before the weather disruption.
The visitors also adapted effectively to the changing conditions. Once the revised target was established, their bowlers restricted the Namibian batting lineup and prevented the hosts from mounting a serious challenge.
The defeat was a disappointing start for Namibia, who had shown competitive form in recent limited overs cricket. Their chase never gathered enough momentum after the reduction in overs.
For South Africa, the result provides an early advantage in the series and gives the side confidence ahead of the remaining matches.
The second ODI will give Namibia an opportunity to respond, while South Africa will look to build on their strong opening performance and move closer to securing the series.
The match was part of South Africa’s three-match tour of Namibia, with both sides using the series to prepare for their upcoming international commitments.