Nigeria’s Junior Female YellowGreens began their campaign at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 in Tanzania on a winning note after defeating Uganda by four wickets on Sunday.
The Nigerian girls survived a tense, low-scoring encounter to chase down Uganda’s 60-run target in 13.1 overs, despite losing six wickets in the process.
Uganda won the toss and elected to bat but struggled against Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack, managing 59 runs for seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime top-scored for Uganda with 22 runs off 34 balls, while Jimia Abdallah Mohamed added 13 runs from 25 deliveries.
Nigeria’s bowlers kept the Ugandan batters under pressure throughout the innings, with Chisom Okpe leading the attack.
Okpe claimed two wickets for just four runs in her four overs, while Peace Usen also took two wickets for 12 runs.
Nigeria needed 60 runs for victory and appeared to be in control of the chase before Uganda’s Tino Sarah produced an impressive bowling spell.
Sarah claimed five wickets for 13 runs in four overs, including two maiden overs, as Nigeria lost wickets at regular intervals.
However, the Junior Female YellowGreens remained calm under pressure and eventually completed the chase.
Omosigho Eguakun played a crucial role at the top of the order, scoring a patient 24 runs off 29 balls.
Christabel Chukwuonye also made an important contribution, hitting 13 runs from 10 balls, including three boundaries.
Nigeria eventually reached 60 for six in 13.1 overs to secure a four-wicket victory.
The result gives the Junior Female YellowGreens a positive start to their campaign as they continue their push for qualification through the African pathway to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Nigeria will face Malawi in their next match on Monday, August 31.
The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30am WAT.
