Cric Gen seal Nedbank Desert Ice T20 title
Cricket
The final day of the 2025 Nedbank Desert Ice Challenge T20 League delivered high drama and standout performances, with Cric Gen emerging as champions after a dominant 33-run victory over Gobabis Bulls in the grand finale at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.Earlier in the day, the two sides faced off in a preview clash before the final, with the Gobabis Bulls taking that encounter by seven wickets. The Bulls looked in fine form, but Cric Gen had the last laugh when it mattered most.
Batting first in the final, Cric Gen overcame early setbacks, losing both Samson Chivi and Junior Tanyaanda cheaply. However, a steadying innings from William Lottering, who smashed 47 runs off just 39 balls, reignited their innings. Lottering built a crucial 66-run partnership with Justus Hangula, helping Cric Gen to post a competitive total of 180.
Reflecting on his performance, Lottering said:
“The main goal was to build partnerships and take it deep, around the 14th over, so we could give our middle and lower order the chance to play freely. I just tried to bring some calm and certainty to the innings.”
In response, the Gobabis Bulls struggled under scoreboard pressure. Despite some resistance, their chase unravelled thanks to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding from Cric Gen. Tatenda Sithole was bowled and star batter Henre Opperman, known for his explosive hitting earlier in the tournament, was dismissed by a brilliant delivery from Lottering.
Wilika Mwatile made a crucial impact with a sharp run-out to dismiss Tawanda Sithole, while Josue Celliers, who put up a valiant fight of 54 off 40 deliveries, fell shortly after. The wickets tumbled and the Bulls were eventually restricted, falling short by 33 runs.
Lottering was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution, while Willie Swart earned the Impact Player award for his influential performance for taking an important wicket of Heathe Smythe and brilliant fielding throughout the match.
The thrilling tournament, supported by Nedbank Namibia through its Beyond Banking Division, has showcased the growth and depth of local T20 cricket.
The final stage saw big sixes from stars like Christiaan Schumacher, Samson Chivi, Henry Opperman, Josie Celliers and Henry Hayes, dropped chances, stumps tumbling out of the ground, fiesty runouts and electric moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
On the final day as the sun set on a memorable edition of the Desert Ice Challenge, Cric Gen lifted the trophy, closing out a day of brilliant cricket with a deserved victory.