Esterhuizen scored 88 runs during SA’s final round-robin match, helping the Proteas post 228 after being sent in to bat.

Opening Batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored a maiden T20 International century after finishing six runs short of the milestone only days earlier.

Esterhuizen moved up the batting order to open alongside Pretorius, with the partnership providing the foundation for SA’s total.

The 88-run innings was Esterhuizen’s highest score in nine T20 International appearances. Esterhuizen hopes to improve further when the Proteas face the Chevrons in the final. “Well, I think first and foremost we’re looking forward to the challenge; there’s a trophy on the line so it’s a great opportunity to win a trophy,” Esterhuizen said.

“We know how good that Zimbabwe outfit is, so we’re gonna have to be on top of our game in order to come out on top.”

Esterhuizen said batting with Pretorius made responsibilities at the crease clear, particularly once Pretorius found scoring momentum. “I think it’s obvious to get the win and get some momentum going into the final. I think mindset-wise, not much, just to keep it simple, batting with Lhu is nice and simple out there,” Esterhuizen said.

“I know my job when he’s going like he’s going, so yeah, we just try to get as many runs as possible because it was a good wicket and we knew it was a good wicket.”

The Proteas bowlers then completed the victory by keeping Namibia below the 228-run target on a batting-friendly surface. “On the bowling end, it was just damage control, as I said it was a good wicket, so restricting them under the target was a great effort, so we’re looking forward to Sunday,” Esterhuizen said.

SA will enter the final with confidence following the strong batting display, but Esterhuizen expects Zimbabwe to present a more difficult challenge with the trophy at stake.

–SABCSport/ChannelAfrica–