NAM vs SA: Just days after Nepal shocked the cricketing world by defeating the West Indies in a T20 series, fans thought they had witnessed the biggest upset in recent memory. But cricket had more surprises in store. In what is now being hailed as the biggest upset in T20 cricket history, Namibia defeated South Africa in a nail-biting finish, sealing the win with a boundary off the last ball.
Namibia pulled off a last-ball miracle to upset South Africa in the one-off T20I 👏#NAMvSA 📝: https://t.co/qgtXMcUIve pic.twitter.com/OJjyzX5h0r
---Advertisement---— ICC (@ICC) October 11, 2025
South Africa’s Batting Crumbles Under Pressure
South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first – a decision that quickly backfired. Star batter Quinton de Kock, returning from retirement, was dismissed for just 1 run. Reeza Hendricks scored 7, and Luan-Dre Pretorius played a painfully slow knock of 7 off 22 balls. Jay Smith added 31 off 30, and skipper Donovan Ferreira managed only 4 runs.
In the end, South Africa could only muster 134/8 in 20 overs, a below-par total. For Namibia, Ruben Trumpelmann was outstanding, picking up 3 wickets, while Max Heingo chipped in with 2 scalps.
Namibia Make History with Final-Ball Thriller
Chasing 135, Namibia kept their composure under pressure. Wicketkeeper-batter Jan Green led from the front with a calm, unbeaten 30 off 23 balls. He was well supported by Ruben Trumpelmann (11*), Malan Kruger (18), and captain Gerhard Erasmus, who contributed a vital 21 runs.
Despite Nandre Burger and Andile Simelane taking two wickets each, South Africa failed to defend their total. Namibia held their nerve and clinched the win with a boundary on the final delivery, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.
THE HISTORIC MOMENT…!!! 😍
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 11, 2025
– Namibia Defeated South Africa in the T20I, Winning celebration was emotional. pic.twitter.com/uboCiwnOdE
South Africa’s Second Shock Defeat to an Associate Nation
This loss marks the second time South Africa has been defeated by an Associate team. Their previous upset came in the 2022 T20 World Cup, when they were stunned by the Netherlands – a defeat that had ended their campaign.
Namibia’s historic win is being celebrated across the cricketing world, further proving that in T20 cricket, no team can be underestimated.
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