U19 Women’s T20 World Cup: Debutant Nigeria beats New Zealand by two runs
U19 Women’s T20 World Cup: Debutant Nigeria beats New Zealand by two runs
Debutant Nigeria scripted a fairytale win, defeating a formidable New Zealand by two runs in a rain-hit, low-scoring thriller at the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup on Monday.
Batting first, Nigeria managed 65-6, with Lilian Udeh (19) and skipper Lucky Piety (18) the only players to reach double figures. In response, New Zealand faltered in a 13-over contest, finishing on 57-5 as pacer Udeh delivered a tight final over to seal the upset. Anika Todd top-scored for the Kiwis with 19.
The win marked a historic moment as Nigeria became the first West African nation to qualify for a global cricket tournament and then beat an ICC full member in a Group C match.
Earlier, its opening game against Samoa was washed out, and wet weather again threatened proceedings in Sarawak before a shortened match was confirmed.
In other results, Australia edged Bangladesh by two wickets in a tense Group D encounter, virtually securing its progression. Meanwhile, the USA stunned Ireland in Johor, winning by nine wickets to improve its net run rate in Group B.
