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Connor Esterhuizen struck his maiden international century before Duan Jansen returned figures of 4/31 as South Africa thrashed Namibia by 157 runs in the second ODI at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Friday, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare.
Esterhuizens 119 off 110 balls, coupled with Tony de Zorzis 79, laid the platform for South Africa to post a formidable 335/9 after being sent in to bat. Jansen (4/31 in 9 overs) and Eathan Bosch (3/27 in 9.5 overs) then dismantled Namibias chase as the hosts were bowled out for 178 in 41.5 overs. Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus won the toss and opted to field, but South Africa recovered comfortably after losing opener Jordan Hermann for 20 as South Africa stood 34/1 in eight overs. De Zorzi joined Esterhuizen and the pair put on 183 for the second wicket, taking the game away from the hosts with an authoritative partnership. Esterhuizen was particularly aggressive, bringing up his maiden international hundred in 100 balls before eventually falling for 119 in the 36th over to Namibias Ruben Trumpelmann. Esterhuizens innings featured eight fours and six sixes. De Zorzi provided the stability at the other end, scoring 79 off 87 balls, but both batters departed in quick succession. Matthew Breetzke was dismissed for four before Dewald Brevis injected momentum with a brisk 37 off 30 deliveries. Eathan Bosch then provided the late impetus, smashing 29 off just 13 balls as South Africa finished on 335/9 from their 50 overs. For Namibia, Jack Brassell was the standout bowler, claiming 4/64, while Ruben Trumpelmann and Jan Balt took two wickets each. Namibias chase got off to a disastrous start as Michael van Lingen fell to Eathan Bosch, while Malan Kruger was dismissed for a duck by Duan Jansen, leaving the hosts reeling at 1/2 after three overs. Their woes deepened in the following over when Bosch struck again to remove Jan Frylinck, reducing Namibia to 2/3. Erasmus attempted to steady the innings and top-scored with 68 off 84 balls, but Namibia struggled to establish meaningful partnerships. Jan Balt contributed 26 and Trumpelmann made 30, but neither could sustain the chase. Jansen kept the pressure on with a disciplined spell, finishing with 4/31 from nine overs. Bosch complemented him effectively, taking 3/27 as Namibias innings folded for 178 in 41.5 overs. The victory gives South Africa an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The third and final ODI will be played at the same venue on Sunday, with the Proteas now eyeing a series clean sweep. (ANI)
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