Nigeria Claims Historic Victory Over New Zealand At U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Junior Female Yellow Greens of Nigeria has secured their first-ever win at the International Cricket Council (ICC) U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup with a thrilling two-run victory over New Zealand on Monday in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Despite their delayed debut due to rain disruptions in an earlier match against Samoa, Nigeria’s determination shone brightly as they faced the formidable test-playing nation.

The match, initially scheduled to start hours earlier, was reduced to 13 overs per side due to persistent rain, but this did little to dampen the Nigerian team’s resolve.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to field, sending Nigeria to bat first. Captain Lucky Piety rose to the occasion, making history with Nigeria’s first six in a Women’s World Cup.

Her steady performance anchored the innings, leading the team to a respectable 65 runs for the loss of six wickets.

In the second innings, the Junior Yellow Greens demonstrated remarkable composure and strategy with the ball. Led by Sarah Bakhita, the team maintained tight control, restricting New Zealand’s batters and taking critical wickets at key moments.

In a nail-biting finish, Nigeria held New Zealand to 63 runs, matching their six-wicket loss but emerging victorious by two runs.

This historic win against the fourth-ranked team is a major milestone for Nigerian cricket and a testament to the growing talent in the country’s women’s cricket program.