Nigeria stunned New Zealand to claim victory in their first ever completed ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup game, icc-cricket.com reports.
Making their ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup debut, the Nigerians were left to wait for an opportunity after their Group C opener with Samoa on Saturday was abandoned due to the rain.
Wet weather again threatened proceedings in Sarawak, Malaysia, but the African nation made the most of their chances once it was confirmed there would be play, albeit a reduced contest of 13 overs each.
Nigeria scored 65-6 batting first, before producing an energetic display in the field that continued to add pressure on New Zealand’s run chase.
The Kiwis were 57-5, needing nine runs, with one over to go, and tight bowling from Lilian Ude got them over the line, finishing two runs shy of Nigeria’s total.
Following her impressive performance, Nigeria captain Piety Lucky was named Player of the Match.
Lucky had 18 runs off 22 balls and a bowling spell of 1 wicket for just 8 runs in 3 overs.
Nigeria’s next game is against South Africa on Wednesday, January 22. The South Africans defeated New Zealand in their opening game on Saturday.
Nigeria lead the group on three points, South Africa and Samoa, who will play each other in their second later today (Monday) are on one point.
New Zealand are bottom with no point after losing their opening two games.
By James Agberebi
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