The Junior Female Yellow Greens, Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, achieved a stunning victory over New Zealand, a test-playing nation, by two runs in their debut match at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia. The historic win unfolded on Monday at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak.
After their opening match against Samoa was abandoned due to rain on Saturday, the Nigerian team finally stepped onto the field, though their game against New Zealand faced a two-hour delay caused by a wet pitch.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to field in the shortened 13-over match. Despite an early collapse, Nigeria’s captain, Lucky Piety, showcased resilience by hitting the team’s first-ever World Cup six. However, New Zealand struck back, reducing Nigeria to 28 for three after the powerplay.
Lilian Ude added a vital 19 runs, and Omosigho Eguakun hit a crucial boundary off the final ball, setting New Zealand a target of 66 runs for six wickets in 13 overs.
In the second innings, Nigeria displayed impressive skill with the ball. Peace Usen grabbed Nigeria’s first World Cup wicket with the very first ball, running out Kate Irwin, while Emma McLeod fell shortly after for three runs.
Although Eve Wolland and Anika Todd tried to steady New Zealand’s innings, their dismissals by Piety and Shola Adekunle turned the tide in Nigeria’s favor. In a tense final over, Lilian Ude allowed just six runs and secured a run-out on the last ball, clinching a dramatic victory for Nigeria.
Captain Lucky Piety was named Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance, scoring 18 runs off 22 balls and taking one wicket for only eight runs in three overs.
With this win, Nigeria now sits second in Group C with three points, trailing group leaders South Africa, who have two wins after defeating Samoa by 10 wickets. Both teams are in strong contention for a spot in the Super 6 stage and will face off on Wednesday to determine the group leader.
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