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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Here’s how fans reacted:
All credits and accolades for Ruben Trumpelmann for securing the famous and historic win for Namibia today 👏👏🫡🫡 pic.twitter.com/WY3AgZOL3J
— The Flying Kiwi (@AkshithJha88423) October 11, 2025
HISTORY AT WINDHOEK! 🇳🇦
Hosting an international match for the first time, Namibia stunned their neighbours South Africa as Ruben Trumpelmann (11* & 3-28) led his side to a historic victory. #NAMvSA | #Cricket | | #OurGameOurPassion | #KhelKaJunoon pic.twitter.com/ORLUOtbEoT
— FLASH usdt & sports🇮🇳 (@flashusdttrc2) October 11, 2025
Namibia 🇳🇦pulled off a memorable win against South Africa 🇿🇦 by chasing down 138/6 in 20 overs, after 🇿🇦set a target of 134/8. A crucial unbroken partnership of 37 runs off 21 balls between Zane Green (30* off 23) and Ruben Trumpelmann (11* off 8) guided🇳🇦to victory ✍️.#NAMvSA https://t.co/Ct0faVldKI pic.twitter.com/NiLL73dMD5
— SportsFreak_Sameer (@Sidharth_World_) October 11, 2025
NAM vs SA (Only T20I)
South Africa lost 🫡Ruben Trumpelmann, Zane Green & Gerhard Erasmus Led Namibia To A Historic Win Against South Africa Today By 4 Wickets In Chase Of 135
WELLDONE NAMIBIA 👏#namvsa #cricketnews #namibiacricket #T20I pic.twitter.com/WSnnAYSyCA
— KhilariTak (@khilaritak) October 11, 2025
Ruben Trumpelmann’s story is one of quiet courage and second chances. A left-arm pacer known for his clever variations, he began his cricketing journey in South Africa’s domestic circuit, but it was his decision to play for Namibia, his father’s homeland, that truly changed his… pic.twitter.com/KYOGxT6lI8
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) October 11, 2025
South Africa 🇿🇦 scored 134 runs against Namibia 🇳🇦.
Ruben Trumpelmann took the most wickets, claiming 3. 💥
I’m happy for him as he’s showcased his talent and proved he deserves T20 league contracts. 😉
It’s still a decent total to chase. Let’s go, Eagles! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/Soa6uXFXHS
— Clink (@ClinkWrites) October 11, 2025
🔥 Scenes in Namibia! The crowd went wild as Namibia defeated South Africa. 🇳🇦
– A new chapter for Namibian cricket begins. ✨#Namibia #SAvNAM #CricketHistory #T20Cricket #PrideOfNamibia pic.twitter.com/CKv4A9plsp
— Akaran.A (@Akaran_1) October 12, 2025
✓Nepal Defeated West Indies in a T20I series.
✓Namibia defeated South Africa in a T20I. These wins are much needed for world cricket to grow more , otherwise it would be restricted to 10 to 12 countries. @CricketNep @CricketNamibia1 #हीरा_पहचानलिया_चौबीसी_खाप_ने #ShubhKaamna… pic.twitter.com/fLyRfNXUCM— Mr. Gurjar (@KoshiGurjar) October 12, 2025
Nepal Defeated West Indies in a T20I series.
Namibia defeated South Africa in a one-off T20I.
The best way to grow the Sport – More T20I 👏 pic.twitter.com/FzI41uCkHe
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 12, 2025
What a match to remember! 🇳🇦 Namibia stun South Africa with a thrilling 4-wicket win 🏏🙌👏👏👏
#NAMvSA pic.twitter.com/lwUwof9ac0— आशुतोष (@bakaitbaaz) October 12, 2025
Right Now Namibia Cricket Team 😎 pic.twitter.com/UNSoE0bkLC
— Kamit Solanki (@KamitSolanki) October 12, 2025
Namibia beat South Africa in their first-ever meeting in T20Is 🙌#Cricket #NAMvsSA #Namibia #T20I pic.twitter.com/ttRxeNL0tD
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 12, 2025
