Pretorius, Simelane ruled out of T20I tri-series final with injuries

After defending their fifth-highest score of the format on Friday, South Africa decided to bat first against Zimbabwe in the Namibia T20I tri-series final. South Africa won that match by 11 runs after posting 228 for four to advance Zimbabwe to the final and eliminate Namibia, which may have been preferred. In the competition, they have already defeated Zimbabwe twice.

Having said that, South Africa suffered a setback when the series' leading run scorer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, was forced to withdraw from the match due to a groin injury. Connor Esterhuizen will partner Jordan Hermann at the top of the batting order in his absence, and Tony de Zorzi has been moved into the middle order. Jason Smith, who missed the series because of a strain in his adductor, has recovered and is now with the team in Namibia, but he won't play in the final. He will be available for the next three One-Day Internationals.

Because of a side strain, seamstress Andile Simelane was also unavailable for selection by South Africa. Eathan Bosch, Duan Jansen, Nqobani Mokoena, and Kwena Mokoena will share pace bowling duties.

When it comes to injuries, Zimbabwe has had better luck. Newman Nyamhuri played in the XI, which was also loaded with quicks, after recovering from an injury. A seam attack involving Wellingon Masakadza, Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, and Kundai Matigimu left Wellingon Masakadza out.