Windhoek, Aug. 28 -- Namibia produced a spirited all-round performance to defeat South Africa by 18 runs in the opening match of the T20I tri-series at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on Friday.

Asked to bat first after South Africa won the toss, the hosts made an excellent start through openers Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp. The duo stitched together an 84-run partnership, putting the South African bowlers under pressure. Frylinck top-scored with a fluent 60 off 38 balls, while Steenkamp chipped in with 41 off 29 balls to give Namibia a solid foundation.

South Africa fought back strongly in the middle overs, led by skipper Bjorn Fortuin and off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen. Fortuin dismissed Steenkamp and opposition captain Ger...