In a thrilling encounter, Nigeria achieved a remarkable victory over New Zealand by just two runs in their inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup match. This historic win marks Nigeria’s first completed game in the tournament, showcasing their resilience and competitive spirit.
After facing a rain-filled setback in their opening fixture against Samoa, which was ultimately abandoned, the Nigerian team was eager to make a statement when they finally took the field in Sarawak. Despite the persistent threat of damp weather, the play was greenlit, but the contest was reduced to 13 overs per side.
Batting first, Nigeria struggled initially but managed to post 65 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. Their innings featured a combination of careful accumulation and aggressive play, setting a modest target. Key contributions in batting helped stabilise the innings amid a challenging start.
In response, New Zealand began their chase with caution and aggression but found themselves in deep trouble at 57 for 5, requiring nine runs to win with just one over left. The pressure mounted as Nigeria’s fielders executed tight bowling and sharp fielding, keeping the Kiwis on edge.
Bowler Lilian Ude delivered an impressive final over in a nail-biting finish, maintaining the pressure on New Zealand. Ultimately, the New Zealand team fell just two runs short of achieving their target, finishing at 63 runs for nine wickets. This nail-biting result highlighted Nigeria’s potential and underscored the unpredictability and excitement of cricket at the international level.
Match Summary: New Zealand vs. Nigeria
Venue: Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak, Malaysia
Nigeria Innings:
- Total: 65 runs for 6 wickets in 14 overs
- Top Performers:
- Lilian Ude: 19 runs
- Piety Lucky: 18 runs
- Notable Bowling by New Zealand:
- Hannah Francis: 1 wicket for 4 runs
- Anika Tauwhare: 1 wicket for 6 runs
New Zealand Innings:
- Total: 63 runs for 6 wickets in 13 overs
- Top Performers:
- Anika Todd: 19 runs
- Tash Wakelin: 18 runs
- Notable Bowling by Nigeria:
- Peace Usen: 1 wicket for 5 runs
- Piety Lucky: 1 wicket for 8 runs
Result: Nigeria won by 2 runs.
This match marks a memorable victory for Nigeria in their first-ever completed game in the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup, highlighting their resilience and competitive spirit on the international stage.
