Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Greens, has secured a spot at the 2025 ICC U-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia after emerging victorious in the Africa Qualifier Division 1 final held in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sunday.
The team clinched the qualification after rain interrupted Zimbabwe’s innings during the final at the Gahanga Cricket Oval. As a result, Nigeria finished the qualifiers undefeated, topping the group.
This marks Nigeria’s second-ever qualification for a cricket World Cup. The men’s U-19 team was the first to achieve this milestone in 2019, qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa.
Sunday’s final between Nigeria and Zimbabwe was their second meeting of the tournament, following a thrilling group-stage match where Nigeria triumphed by just one wicket. That match set the stage for another intense encounter.
Captain Lucky Piety won the toss and opted to bat first. However, the team faced stiff competition from Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. Victory Igbinedion’s 23 runs off 18 balls stood out as Nigeria managed to post 77 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs.
In response, Zimbabwe had made 19 runs for the loss of one wicket in 2.3 overs before rain halted play, handing Nigeria the win based on the match conditions.
Nigeria will compete in Group C of the World Cup, where they’ll face New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa. The 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup is set to take place from January 18 to February 2, with India being the reigning champions.
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