Nigeria stunned New Zealand by two runs in their rain-affected ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025, Group C match at Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, Malaysia on Monday, January 20. (More Cricket News)
🌱The win helped Nigeria leapfrog South Africa, their opponents in the next match, at the top
Nigeria stunned New Zealand by two runs in their rain-affected ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025, Group C match at Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, Malaysia on Monday, January 20. (More Cricket News)
ꦉReduced to a 13-over game due to the wet outfield, debutants Nigeria defended valiantly to cause the first big upset of the tournament, restricting New Zealand to 63/6 after posting 65/6.
💮The defence started dramatically as Nigeria removed Kate Irwin in the very first delivery, a run out. Then 16-year-old pacer Usen Peace had Emma McLeod caught.
༺But running out was the theme of the innings as skipper Tash Wakelin (18 off 18) and Darcy Rose Prasad (0 off 4) also found themselves short of the crease in their bid to take quick runs.
ꦚIn the final over of the chase, with New Zealand needing nine runs, Lillian Udeh conceded only six to deny the 2023 semi-finalist first win of the campaign.
💫Udeh had earlier scored a 25-ball 19. The 18-year-old claimed the Player of the Match award. Captain Piety contributed with 18 off 22.
🔯The win helped Nigeria leapfrog South Africa, their opponents in the next match, at the top. With three points from two matches, they are certain the make the Super Six.
ไTheir opener against Samoa was abandoned without toss. On the other hand, New Zealand need to beat Samoa in their final group match to make the Super Six. They were beaten by South Africa on Saturday.
New Zealand XI:ꦿ Tash Wakelin (c), Elizabeth Buchanan, Kate Chandler, Sophie Court, Hannah Francis, Kate Irwin, Rishika Jaswal, Louisa Kotkamp, Ayaan Lambat, Emma McLeod, Hannah O’Connor, Darcy-Rose Prasad, Anika Tauwhare, Anika Todd, and Eve Wolland.
Nigeria XI:🗹 Lucky Piety (c), Akhigbe Anointed, Oguai Beauty, Chukwuonye Christabel, Bassey Deborah (wk), Umoh Inyene, Bieni Jessica, Amusa Kehinde, Ude Lilian, Memeh Naomi, Eguakun Omosigho, Usen Peace, Agboya Peculiar, Adekunle Shola, and Igbinedion Victory.