Gobabis Bulls claim Nedbank Desert Ice title

Windhoek, Aug 8 — The 2026 Nedbank Desert Ice T20 League tournament came to a breathtaking finale as Gobabis Bulls overcame last year’s disappointing loss in the final to claim this year’s title following a 13-run victory over Run Whisperers at the United Ground on 2 August. Last year, the Cricket Generation Academy defeated the Bulls by 33 runs in last year’s final.
In a high-scoring match, Gobabis Bulls won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a staggering 256/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Middle-order batter Kobus Brand scored a magnificent 105 runs from 29 balls not out, while opener Keith Kondo scored 38 from 15 before being struck out leg before wicket by the bowling of Lucas Kruger.
Other significant contributors for the Bulls were Fungayi Hlupo Jr, who scored 29 runs off 13 balls, Josue Celliers, who scored 25 runs, and Tawanda Sithole, who chipped in with 27 runs. With a target of 257 runs, the Whisperers’ run-chase began with a mixed performance, as opening batsman Nirav Ladani scored 3 runs off 8 balls before being bowled by Fungayi Hlupo Jr, while opening partner Nyashadzaishe Nyasha contributed a rapid 32 off 31 deliveries before being dismissed by Sithole.
In came Erik Lintvelt, who smashed a quickfire 67 runs from 23 balls as pressure mounted on the Bulls bowlers. Lintvelt was supported by cameos from Wessel Myburgh (38 off 16 balls) and Nicolaas Buys (29 off 16 balls); as the Whisperers kept themselves within striking distance, crossing the 200- run mark in the 15th over.
The Bulls’ bowling attack kept their nerves, with Tawanda Sithole finishing with match figures of 2/23 in his 4 overs, proving to be the most economical bowler on the day despite the heavy extras. Captain Abri Oberholzer’s unbeaten 20 runs from 14 balls kept the contest alive, but the asking run rate ultimately proved too steep as the Run Whisperers finished their 20 overs on 243/5, falling just 13 runs short.
The victory meant the Gobabis Bulls won by 13 runs to claim the Desert Ice T20 League 2026 title and the N$50,000 grand prize. The 2026 season featured eight teams, namely Central Sunrisers (Windhoek), CCD Tigers (Windhoek), SPUR Warriors (Walvis Bay and Swakopmund), Green Mambas (Windhoek), Gobabis Bulls (Gobabis), Run Whisperers (Windhoek), UNAM Zebras (Windhoek), and Etungo Kudus (Okahandja and North).
Nyashadzaishe Nyasha was named the Most Valuable Player and Best Batter, while Asad Abbas was named the Best Bowler and Kairavi Singh Malhotra got the Impact Player of the Tournament.
Chairman of Impact Cricket Namibia, Willie Junius, expressed his deepest gratitude to Nedbank Namibia for their steadfast support and vision for grassroots development, which have been instrumental in elevating the Desert Ice T20 League to new heights: ‘The success of the 2026 Desert Ice T20 League proves that cricket in Namibia continues to grow in strength, professionalism, and
popularity. We are grateful to our sponsors, partners, officials, volunteers, players, and supporters who made this season possible. Our focus now turns to 2027, where we aim to elevate the competition to new heights through international broadcasting partnerships, enhanced fan experiences, and greater opportunities for players to showcase their talent on a global stage.’
Nedbank Namibia Communications and Public Relations Manager, Selma Kaulinge, said the passion, drive, and exceptional talent showcased throughout this tournament have been nothing short of inspiring: ‘At Nedbank Namibia, we extend our heartiest congratulations to the champions. As a brand that always does good in communities where we operate, we remain deeply committed to supporting this tournament and ensuring its continued growth. Corporate investment in grassroots sports is vital;
it is the foundation upon which the future of Namibian sport is built. By reaching beyond the major urban centres and into towns and rural communities across the country, we can unearth raw, untapped talent and provide young athletes with the platform, resources, and exposure they need to flourish.’
This year marks the third consecutive year of Nedbank Namibia’s partnership with Impact Cricket Namibia, through a sponsorship deal worth N$200 000.