• Namibia secured a historic last-ball T20I victory by 4-wickets against South Africa at Windhoek.

  • Ruben Trumpelmann’s exceptional all-round display earned him Player of the Match honours.

Fans go gaga as Ruben Trumpelmann guides Namibia to historic victory against South Africa in one-off T20I
Ruben Trumpelmann scripts history for Namibia in a nail-biting final-ball victory against South Africa (Image source: X)

In a breathtaking contest at Windhoek, October 11, 2025, Namibia scripted a historic chapter in their cricketing journey by defeating heavyweight South Africa in the Only T20I of the series, sealing victory by 4 wickets in a last-ball thriller that left fans in awe. Despite South Africa assembling a competitive 134/8, the Namibians, led by an inspired all-round performance from Ruben Trumpelmann, chased down the target of 135 with nerves of steel on the last ball.

Ruben Trumpelmann’s all-round heroics against South Africa

Trumpelmann’s impact was felt from the outset, as he dismantled South Africa’s batting order with a fiery spell. He accounted for three crucial wickets—including established names like Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, and Jason Smith—finishing with figures of 4-0-28-3. South Africa’s innings never truly found momentum as they lost Quinton de Kock inside the first over, reeled at 2-25 in the powerplay, and kept losing wickets at vital junctures. Rubin Hermann and Jason Smith were the mainstays, contributing 23 and 31 respectively, while South Africa finished at 134/8 after late runs from Bjorn Fortuin (19*).

Namibia’s nail-biting chase makes history against South Africa

Namibia’s reply began with intent and composure, racking up 46 in the powerplay despite two wickets falling early. Gerhard Erasmus chipped in with a steady 21, but the chase was characterized by contributions across the order and an ever-rising run rate. Zane Green anchored the innings with a crucial 30 off 23 balls, while Malan Kruger added 18, keeping Namibia within striking distance.

When the game reached its climax, Namibia needed runs in the dying overs, and Trumpelmann showcased nerves of steel. Entering at a high-pressure moment, Trumpelmann faced down the final over, striking an unbeaten 11 off just 8 balls, including a boundary that ignited the home crowd. His partnership with Green was the clincher, guiding Namibia to 138/6 off the last ball, with the packed Windhoek stadium erupting in celebration.

Extras played a vital role for Namibia, contributing 18 to the total, while South Africa’s bowlers—Nandre Burger (4-0-21-2) and Andile Simelane (4-0-28-2)—kept up the pressure. Yet, Trumpelmann’s calm finish proved decisive, earning him the Player of the Match award—his spell with the ball and clutch runs under pressure underscoring his all-round significance.

Namibia’s triumph, powered by Trumpelmann’s heroics, marks a watershed moment in their cricket history, proving their mettle against top opposition. Fans hailed Trumpelmann’s brilliance, and the Windhoek ground witnessed scenes of unprecedented joy as Namibia notched a famous victory on home soil. This win will be etched in Namibian sporting folklore as a testament to belief, grit, and all-round excellence.

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .