Namibia will look to bounce back when they face South Africa in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on September 11. The hosts suffered a 99-run defeat via the DLS method in the opening game and will need a much-improved performance to keep the series alive. 

South Africa posted an imposing 348/6 in the first ODI, with Jordan Hermann smashing a spectacular 150 on debut. Namibia, meanwhile, struggled to build partnerships during their chase and finished on 162/8 in 31 overs. Gerhard Erasmus’ side will therefore be under pressure to make the necessary adjustments before the second game.

Despite the defeat, Namibia have a settled squad and are unlikely to make wholesale changes. Here is the predicted playing XI for the hosts.

1. Michael van Lingen

Michael van Lingen is expected to open the innings after making his return to Namibia’s ODI setup. The experienced left-hander reversed his retirement earlier this year and is back in the squad for the series. 

Namibia will need him to provide a solid platform at the top after their batters struggled to counter South Africa’s attack in the series opener.

2. Louren Steenkamp

Louren Steenkamp should continue alongside van Lingen at the top of the order. The right-hander is capable of playing an aggressive game but will need to show greater discipline against South Africa’s seamers.

His ability to rotate the strike will also be important if Namibia want to prevent the Proteas from building early pressure.

3. Jan Frylinck

Jan Frylinck remains one of Namibia’s most experienced all-rounders and should occupy the No. 3 position. He provides stability with the bat while also offering a useful left-arm seam option.

Frylinck has been one of Namibia’s consistent performers over the years and will be expected to play a key role in their attempt to level the series.

4. Gerhard Erasmus (C)

Captain Gerhard Erasmus is likely to continue at No. 4. The experienced all-rounder is the tactical leader of the side and remains one of Namibia’s most important players.

Erasmus can contribute with both bat and off-spin, giving him the ability to influence the game in multiple departments. With South Africa’s middle order showing considerable firepower in the first ODI, his bowling could become particularly important.

5. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton

Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton is expected to retain his place in the middle order. The talented all-rounder brings an attacking approach and has the ability to change the momentum of an innings quickly.

He can also provide useful overs, making him another valuable option for Erasmus when managing the bowling attack.

6. Zane Green (WK)

Zane Green should continue as Namibia’s wicketkeeper and occupy the No. 6 position. Green provides experience behind the stumps and can contribute valuable runs in the middle and lower order.

His ability to accelerate once set will be important, particularly if Namibia lose wickets during the middle overs.

7. JJ Smit

JJ Smit is likely to feature at No. 7 as another experienced all-rounder. The left-hander is capable of striking the ball cleanly and can bowl useful left-arm seam.

Smit’s role could become particularly important towards the end of the innings, where Namibia will need someone capable of finding boundaries against South Africa’s pace attack.

8. Ruben Trumpelmann

Ruben Trumpelmann should lead the pace attack. The left-arm seamer is one of Namibia’s most recognisable bowling threats and can generate movement with the new ball.

He will have to find a way to challenge South Africa’s dangerous top order after the Proteas’ batters dominated the opening ODI.

9. Bernard Scholtz

Bernard Scholtz is expected to retain his place as Namibia’s specialist spinner. The left-arm orthodox bowler has extensive international experience and can be particularly effective when conditions offer assistance to spin.

His battle against South Africa’s middle-order batters could be crucial during the second half of the innings.

10. Jack Brassell

Jack Brassell should continue as part of the pace attack. The young seamer has emerged as an important wicket-taking option for Namibia and was part of the squad’s first-choice bowling group for the series.

He will need to maintain tight lines and lengths against South Africa’s aggressive batting lineup.

11. Jan Balt

Jan Balt could complete the XI as the additional bowling option. The all-rounder provides Erasmus with greater flexibility and can contribute useful runs lower down the order.

His inclusion gives Namibia more depth and allows the captain to rotate his frontline bowlers according to the match situation.

Predicted Namibia Playing XI

Michael van Lingen, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Gerhard Erasmus (C), Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Zane Green (WK), JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell, Jan Balt