Nigeria, newcomers to the ICC Women's U-19 T20 World Cup, achieved a remarkable victory against New Zealand on Monday, winning by two runs in a rain-affected low-scoring match. The Nigerian team displayed exceptional fielding skills to restrict New Zealand's chase after posting a modest total of 65/6 while batting.
With New Zealand requiring nine runs in the final over of the 13-over match and sitting at 57/5, Nigerian bowler Lilian Udeh's precise bowling secured a historic two-run victory for her team. The match saw few double-digit scores, with Udeh (19) and captain Lucky Piety (18) contributing for Nigeria, while Anika Todd led New Zealand's scoring with 19 runs.
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This victory is particularly significant for Nigeria, as football and athletics typically dominate the country's sports scene, unlike cricket-enthusiast nations in southern Africa such as South Africa and Zimbabwe. By becoming West Africa's first representative in a global tournament and defeating an ICC full member nation in Group C, the Nigerian team has demonstrated the progress of their emerging cricket programme.
Despite weather concerns and a cancelled match against Samoa on Saturday due to rain, the Nigerian squad seized their opportunity in Sarawak, competing in a shortened 13-over format.
In other tournament fixtures, Australia secured a narrow two-wicket victory against Bangladesh in Group D, virtually guaranteeing their advancement, while the USA demonstrated their capabilities with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Ireland in Johor, significantly enhancing their net run rate in Group B.
