The inaugural Desert Ice Challenge T20 Cricket Tournament came to an exhilarating conclusion last Sunday, as Unam Zebras 1 emerged victorious against Run Whisperers Academy in Windhoek.

According to a media statement made available to this publication, the tournament featured six teams: Unam Zebras 1, Unam Zebras 2, Run Whisperers Academy, Green Mambas, CCD Tigers, and Gobabis Krieket Academy.

In the final, Unam Zebras 1 and Run Whisperers Academy produced a thrilling game of cricket.

Run Whisperers Academy scored 145 runs in the allocated 20 overs, which Unam Zebras 1 had to chase down.

The university team successfully chased down the total, winning by six wickets.

The standout performer of the tournament was Nyashadzaishe Nyasha, who was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title for consistently delivering match-winning performances throughout the tournament.

Vernon Cloete was crowned the Best Batter of the Tournament, as his consistent run-scoring provided the backbone of Unam Zebras 1’s success.

On the bowling front, Henre Opperman from Gobabis Academy emerged as the Best Bowler.

U/16 player Henre Opperman was named the Impact Player of the Series for his contribution.

As the series emphasizes the development of young cricketers by giving them a chance to play with the big boys, the emergence of Opperman is a big success for the organisers in achieving the goals of this tournament.

Several local companies sponsored the tournament, including Tap a Meal and Stock Market College as the primary sponsors, while Sherry Planners, Willie Junius Architectural Designs, YouTrack Fleet Management, and NamBatDoc contributed as associate sponsors.