Namibia will look to produce another statement performance when they face South Africa in Match 6 of the T20I Tri-Series 2026 at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on September 4. The hosts have already shown that they can challenge the Proteas after defeating them by 18 runs in the tournament opener.

The reverse fixture presents another opportunity for Gerhard Erasmus and his men to strengthen their case for a place in the final. Namibia’s squad contains a healthy mix of experienced campaigners and promising youngsters, with the likes of Jan Frylinck, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann and Bernard Scholtz providing the side with plenty of international experience.

Here is Namibia’s predicted playing XI for Match 6 against South Africa:

1. Louren Steenkamp

Louren Steenkamp is expected to continue opening the innings. The right-hander has been given responsibility at the top and offers Namibia an aggressive option during the Powerplay.

Steenkamp can complement the more experienced Jan Frylinck well, particularly if Namibia want to make maximum use of the fielding restrictions.

2. Jan Frylinck

Jan Frylinck should continue as one of Namibia’s key top-order batters. The left-hander played a crucial role in Namibia’s memorable win over South Africa in the opening game, scoring a vital 60.

Frylinck’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him one of Namibia’s most valuable players. South Africa will certainly be keen to find a way to dismiss him early.

3. Gerhard Erasmus (C)

Captain Gerhard Erasmus will continue to anchor the middle order. The veteran all-rounder is the tactical leader of the side and plays an important role in controlling the tempo of the innings.

Erasmus’ experience against high-quality opposition will also be invaluable when Namibia face South Africa’s young but talented bowling attack.

4. Jan-Nicol Loftie-Eaton

Jan-Nicol Loftie-Eaton is likely to occupy the No. 4 position. One of Namibia’s most explosive young batters, Loftie-Eaton possesses the ability to accelerate rapidly once he gets settled.

His role will be particularly important in the middle overs, when Namibia will need to keep the scoring rate moving against South Africa’s spinners and change-up bowlers.

5. Zane Green (WK)

Zane Green is expected to continue behind the stumps while also contributing in the middle order. The wicketkeeper-batter provides stability to the batting unit and can increase the tempo when required.

Green’s ability to rotate the strike will be important if South Africa manage to put the brakes on Namibia’s scoring during the middle overs.

6. Alexander Volschenk

Alexander Volschenk could retain his place in the XI after featuring in Namibia’s established combination. He gives the team another batting option and adds depth to the lineup.

Against a strong South African attack, Volschenk’s ability to absorb pressure and then accelerate could prove crucial.

7. JJ Smit

JJ Smit remains one of Namibia’s most dependable all-rounders. The left-hander provides valuable lower-order hitting and can also bowl important overs.

His experience is especially useful in tight games, where Namibia need someone capable of changing the momentum with either bat or ball.

8. Ruben Trumpelmann

Ruben Trumpelmann is expected to spearhead Namibia’s pace attack. The left-arm quick has become one of the country’s most recognisable fast bowlers and can trouble batters with movement and bounce.

Trumpelmann’s new-ball spell could be critical against South Africa’s aggressive opening combination.

9. Bernard Scholtz

Bernard Scholtz should continue as Namibia’s primary spin option. The experienced left-arm spinner is particularly effective at restricting the scoring rate in the middle overs.

With South Africa possessing several batters who like to attack spin, Scholtz’s accuracy and ability to vary his pace could prove decisive.

10. Jack Brassell

Jack Brassell is likely to retain his place as another important pace option. He has the ability to generate movement and offers Erasmus a useful attacking option alongside Trumpelmann and Smit.

Brassell could be particularly important during the middle and death overs, when Namibia will need wickets rather than merely containment.

11. Max Heingo

Max Heingo should complete Namibia’s bowling attack. The youngster has been trusted in the XI during the tournament and provides another seam-bowling option.

His ability to bowl economically will be tested against South Africa’s powerful middle order, which includes several batters capable of changing the game within a few overs.

Namibia Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa

Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Gerhard Erasmus (C), Jan-Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Zane Green (WK), Alexander Volschenk, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell, Max Heingo