South Africa opted to put runs on the board first in the Namibia T20I tri-series final against Zimbabwe, after successfully defending their fifth-highest score of the format on Friday. After posting 228 for four, South Africa won that match by 11 runs to clear Zimbabwe’s path to the final and knock Namibia out and may have preferred it that way. They have already beaten Zimbabwe twice in the competition.The confidence of results aside, South Africa were dealt a blow when the series’ leading run-scorer Lhuan-dre Pretorius was ruled out of the match with a groin injury. His absence means Connor Esterhuizen will keep his place at the top of the batting line-up and will partner Jordan Hermann, while Tony de Zorzi has been brought into the middle order. Jason Smith, who was ruled out of the series with an adductor strain, has recovered and joined the squad in Namibia but will not play the final. He will be available for three ODIs next week.South Africa were also unable to select seamer Andile Simelane, who has a side strain. Nqobani Mokoena, Kwena Mokoena, Eathan Bosch and Duan Jansen will share pace bowling duties.Zimbabwe have had better luck when it comes to injuries. Newman Nyamhuri recovered from a niggle to take his place in the XI, which they have also packed with quicks. Wellingon Masakadza missed out in a four-member seam attack that also included Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani and Kundai Matigimu.
South Africa: 1 Connor Esterhuizen (wk), 2 Jordan Hermann, 3 Dewald Brevis, 4 Tony de Zorzi, 5 Rubin Hermann, 6 Eathan Bosch, 7 Duan Jansen, 8 Bjorn Fortuin (capt), 10 Prenelan Subrayen, 10 Nqobani Mokoena, 11 Kwena Maphaka
Zimbabwe: 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Ben Curran, 3 Innocent Kaia, 4 Sikandar Raza (capt), 5 Ryan Burl, 6 Wessly Madhevere, 7 Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), 8 Brad Evans, 9 Newman Nyamhuri, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Kundai Matigimu