Namibia and South Africa Meet for Series Decider on September 13
Introduction
Namibia and South Africa return to the Namibia Cricket Ground on September 13, 2026, for the third and final ODI of their historic series. This Namibia vs South Africa ODI series marks the first ever bilateral one day series between the two nations. As of September 12, 2026, South Africa already hold an unbeatable 2-0 lead, so Sunday’s match will not decide the series outcome. It will instead close out a landmark few weeks for African cricket, with both sides using the fixture to fine tune squads ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which they will co-host.
How South Africa Sealed the Series
South Africa opened the series on September 9 with a 99 run win, achieved under Duckworth Lewis Stern rules. They followed that up two days later with an even bigger statement.
In the second ODI on September 11, South Africa posted 335 for 9 in their 50 overs, then bowled Namibia out for just 178. The 157 run margin stands as South Africa’s largest ODI win over Namibia on record, and it beat the mark set only two days earlier in the same series.
Namibia simply could not match South Africa’s depth with the bat. Only captain Gerhard Erasmus passed fifty for the home side, top scoring with 68 off 84 balls. Ruben Trumpelmann chipped in with a quick 30, but wickets fell in clusters around them.
Player Spotlight: Connor Esterhuizen’s Maiden Century
The standout individual performance of the series so far belongs to Connor Esterhuizen. The South African wicketkeeper batter reached his first ODI hundred, finishing on 119 off 110 balls in the second match.
Esterhuizen became only the second South African to score an ODI century against Namibia, following an innings from Jordan Hermann earlier in the tour. His knock anchored the innings while partner Tony de Zorzi played the supporting role, adding 79 off 87 balls with six fours and a six.
Lower down, Dewald Brevis showed his power hitting credentials with 37 off just 30 balls, including three sixes. Eathan Bosch then cameoed briefly with the bat, smashing 29 off 13 deliveries, before turning things around with the ball to help finish off the Namibian innings.
Bowling Honors
Duan Jansen produced the pick of the South African bowling figures across the two matches, backed up by Bosch and debutant Nqobani Mokoena. For Namibia, Jack Brassell was the one bright spot with the ball, taking four wickets for 64 runs in the second ODI, his second career four wicket haul.
What Is Left to Play For on September 13
With the series already gone, Sunday’s match at Windhoek carries a different kind of weight. Namibia have a chance to avoid a series whitewash and salvage some pride in front of home supporters. They have never chased a total larger than 266 in ODI cricket, a fact that will weigh on team selection if South Africa bat first again.
For South Africa, the priority shifts toward giving fringe players game time. Head coach and captain Bjorn Fortuin has already rotated the squad through the series, and further experimentation looks likely with the result no longer in doubt. Emerging talents such as Kwena Maphaka have been part of the wider squad this tour, giving selectors a chance to assess depth ahead of 2027.
Squads to Watch
South Africa (2nd ODI XI)
- Jordan Hermann
- Connor Esterhuizen (wicketkeeper)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Dewald Brevis
- Matthew Breetzke
- Jason Smith
- Eathan Bosch
- Duan Jansen
- Prenelan Subrayen (captain, stand in)
- Nqabayomzi Peter
- Nqobani Mokoena
Namibia (2nd ODI XI)
- Malan Kruger
- Michael van Lingen
- Jan Frylinck
- Louren Steenkamp
- Gerhard Erasmus (captain)
- Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton
- Zane Green (wicketkeeper)
- Jan Balt
- Ruben Trumpelmann
- Waldo Smith
- Jack Brassell
Stats Table: Series So Far
| Match | Date | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | September 9, 2026 | South Africa won | 99 runs (DLS) |
| 2nd ODI | September 11, 2026 | South Africa won | 157 runs |
| 3rd ODI | September 13, 2026 | Match yet to begin | — |
| Player | Team | Series Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Connor Esterhuizen | South Africa | 119 off 110 balls, maiden ODI century |
| Tony de Zorzi | South Africa | 79 off 87 balls in 2nd ODI |
| Gerhard Erasmus | Namibia | 68 off 84 balls, top score for Namibia |
| Jack Brassell | Namibia | 4 wickets for 64 runs, 2nd ODI |
Latest News Note
As of September 12, 2026, South Africa have already secured the series with a match to spare. Namibia have named an unchanged look to their squad for the finale, hoping continuity helps them find form with the bat. Kickoff for the third ODI is set for 7:30 AM GMT, which is 9:30 AM local time in Windhoek.
Key Takeaways
- Series result: South Africa have won the series 2-0 with one match remaining.
- Biggest win: South Africa’s 157 run victory in the second ODI is their largest ODI win over Namibia.
- Standout batter: Connor Esterhuizen scored his maiden ODI century, 119 off 110 balls.
- Best Namibian bowler: Jack Brassell took 4 for 64 in the second ODI.
- Next match: The third ODI takes place on September 13, 2026, in Windhoek, with the series already decided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has South Africa already won the Namibia ODI series? Yes, South Africa sealed the three match series with a 2-0 lead after the second ODI.
What was the score in the second Namibia vs South Africa ODI? South Africa scored 335 for 9 and bowled Namibia out for 178, winning by 157 runs.
Who scored a century in the series? South African batter Connor Esterhuizen scored his maiden ODI century, finishing on 119 off 110 balls.
When and where is the third ODI being played? The third ODI is scheduled for September 13, 2026, at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
Why does the third ODI still matter if the series is decided? Both squads are using the match to test fringe players and build experience ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which Namibia and South Africa will co-host.
Conclusion
The Namibia vs South Africa ODI series will not have a decider on September 13, since South Africa already wrapped up the contest with a dominant 157 run win in the second match. What remains is a dead rubber with plenty of context. Namibia will look to avoid a whitewash on home soil, while South Africa continues auditioning depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup they will co-host with Namibia. As of September 12, 2026, all eyes turn to Windhoek for a finale that carries more long term significance than short term stakes.
