Connor Esterhuizen of South Africa celebrates his century during the 2nd Men's ODI match between Namibia and South Africa at the Namibia Cricket Ground on September 11, 2026, in Windhoek, Namibia. (Photo by Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images)
WINDHOEK - Connor Esterhuizen chalked up his maiden international century with struck 119 as South Africa beat Namibia by 157 runs on Friday to take a winning 2-0 lead in a three-match one-day international series.
It was a dramatic change for the 24-year-old opener in his second ODI as he was bowled for 10 in Windhoek on Wednesday when South Africa won a rain-shortened series opener by 99 runs.
After Jordan Hermann (20) fell, Esterhuizen and Tony de Zorzi (79) formed a 183-run second-wicket partnership that propelled South Africa to 335-9, effectively deciding the outcome of the match and series.
Johannesburg-born right-hand batter Esterhuizen faced 110 balls and hit six sixes and eight fours. The De Zorzi knock included a six and six fours.
Esterhuizen was out when he miscued Namibian quick Ruben Trumpelmann, captain Gerhard Erasmus at mid-off.
He exited off the first ball of the 36th over and De Zorzi joined the centurion in the pavilion soon after.
His flick off the most successful Namibian bowler, Jack Brassell (4-64), was caught by Jan Frylinck at midwicket.
Facing a mammoth target, Namibia began disastrously. They lost openers Michael van Lingen and Malan Kruger and No.3 batter Frylinck for ducks, and slumped to 32-5.
A 71-run seventh-wicket stand between Erasmus (68) and Jan Bait (26) brought some respectability to the Namibian innings.
Substitute Rubin Hermann made a low, diving catch at cover to dismiss Erasmus, who hit one six and six fours.
After the series finale in Windhoek on Sunday, South Africa host Australia in a three-match ODI series from September 24.
Brief scores
South Africa 335-9 in 50 overs (C. Esterhuizen 119, T. de Zorzi 79; J. Brassell 4-64) v Namibia 178 in 41.5 overs (G. Erasmus 68, R. Trumpelmann 30; D. Jansen 4-31)
Result: South Africa won by 157 runs
Toss: Namibia
Series: South Africa have an unassailable 2-0 lead before the final match on Sunday
- AFP