Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens made history on Monday, January 20, by clinching a thrilling two-run victory over New Zealand at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia. The landmark match, held at the Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak, marked Nigeria’s first-ever victory at this level and showcased the team’s determination and skill.
A Long-Awaited Debut
After their opening match against Samoa was washed out due to rain, the Nigerian team finally got their chance to step onto the world stage. However, the game against New Zealand faced a two-hour delay as a wet pitch pushed back the start of the reduced 13-over encounter.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to field, putting Nigeria in to bat. Early setbacks had Nigeria struggling at 28 for three after the powerplay. But Captain Lucky Piety led a spirited fightback, smashing Nigeria’s first-ever six in a World Cup match. Lilian Ude chipped in with a vital 19 runs, while Omosigho Eguakun’s boundary off the final ball set New Zealand a challenging target of 66 runs.
A Bowlers’ Masterclass
The second innings saw Nigeria’s bowlers rise to the occasion. The team struck gold with the very first ball as Peace Usen ran out Kate Irwin. Shortly after, Emma McLeod fell for three, putting New Zealand on the back foot.
Despite a brief recovery led by Eve Wolland and Anika Todd, Nigeria’s bowlers stayed relentless. Piety and Shola Adekunle delivered key dismissals, keeping the pressure on. In a nail-biting final over, Ude showcased exceptional composure, allowing just six runs and executing a run-out on the last ball to seal Nigeria’s historic win.
Player of the Match: Lucky Piety
Captain Lucky Piety’s all-around brilliance earned her the Player of the Match honor. She scored 18 crucial runs off 22 balls and delivered an economical bowling performance, taking one wicket for just eight runs in three overs.
The Road Ahead
This monumental victory places Nigeria second in Group C with three points, just behind group leaders South Africa, who cruised past Samoa for their second win of the tournament. Nigeria’s next challenge is a high-stakes clash with South Africa on Wednesday, January 22, to decide the group’s top spot.
With a chance to advance to the Super 6 stage, the Junior Female Yellow Greens are proving that they are not just participants but serious contenders.
A Victory to Inspire
Nigeria’s triumph over a cricket powerhouse like New Zealand is more than just a win—it’s a statement. It highlights the growing potential of women’s cricket in Nigeria and inspires a new generation of young players to dream big.
Stay tuned as the Yellow Greens continue their journey in this thrilling tournament!
