Brad Evans Stars as Zimbabwe Edge Namibia by 5 Runs in Tri-Series Thriller

Zimbabwe held off a stunning fightback from hosts Namibia to win by 5 runs in a thrilling third match of the T20I tri-series at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek, with Brad Evans starring with both bat and ball.

Put in to bat, Zimbabwe recovered from 79 for 5 through a stunning 94-run seventh-wicket stand between Ryan Burl (57 not out) and Evans (37 not out) in just 48 balls, a Zimbabwe T20I record for the wicket, to post 195 for 6. Namibia's chase looked over when they slipped to 68 for 5, but Zane Green (54) and Alexander Busing-Volschenk (56) launched a remarkable 110-run counterattack that briefly put the hosts firmly in control.

With 16 needed off the final over, Evans held his nerve despite starting with a no-ball, running out Green off a direct hit before Busing-Volschenk was superbly caught behind. Namibia lost four wickets in the final five deliveries, including two run-outs, as they were bowled out for 190 with the last ball of the match. Evans finished with figures of 3 for 41, earning the Player of the Match award for his all-round contribution.

The result keeps the tri-series wide open, with all three sides now on two points apiece after two matches, though South Africa lead on net run rate. Namibia had opened the series with an 18-run win over South Africa, while Zimbabwe's win here came after their own opening defeat.