Match: Game 7
Date: 23 September
Venue: Gahanga 2
Event: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier
In an exhilarating low-scoring thriller, Nigeria edged past Zimbabwe by 1 wicket to secure victory in Game 7 of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier. Despite Zimbabwe posting a modest total of 77 all out, Nigeria’s chase went down to the final ball, with Nigeria finishing at 78/9 in their full 20 overs to clinch a memorable win.
Zimbabwe’s Innings
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum, managing only 77 runs in 19.4 overs. Beloved Biza was the standout performer with the bat, contributing 33 off 36 balls with 1 boundary at a strike rate of 91.67. However, regular wickets fell, with none of the other Zimbabwean batters providing much resistance.
Nigeria’s bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, led by Lilian Mgbodichimma Ude, who took 3 wickets for 8 runs in her full 4 overs, including 2 maidens. Peace Usen and Anointed Ozemoya Akhigbe also chipped in with 3 wickets each, keeping the pressure on Zimbabwe throughout the innings.
Zimbabwe’s innings ended at 77 all out in 19.4 overs, setting Nigeria a target of 78 for victory.
Nigeria’s Chase
Nigeria’s chase was far from straightforward. After a decent start, they found themselves in trouble, losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite key contributions from Omosigho Promise Eguakun with 15 off 20 balls and Peculiar Ewere Agboya with 13 off 33 balls, Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept the pressure on, making it a tense finish.
At 78/9 in the final over, Nigeria scraped through by just 1 wicket. Anointed Ozemoya Akhigbe‘s 3-wicket haul earlier proved critical in their bowling effort, but it was Nigeria’s lower-order resistance that sealed the thrilling victory.
Key Performances
Batting Highlights:
- Beloved Biza (Zimbabwe): 33 (36), 1 four, SR 91.67
- Omosigho Promise Eguakun (Nigeria): 15 (20), 1 four, SR 75.00
- Peculiar Ewere Agboya (Nigeria): 13 (33), SR 39.39
Bowling Highlights:
- Anointed Ozemoya Akhigbe (Nigeria): 1.4 overs, 3 wickets, 2 runs, Economy 1.20
- Lilian Mgbodichimma Ude (Nigeria): 4 overs, 3 wickets, 8 runs, Economy 2.00
- Peace Usen (Nigeria): 4 overs, 3 wickets, 16 runs, Economy 4.00
Match Summary
- Zimbabwe: 77 all out (19.4 overs)
- Nigeria: 78/9 (20 overs)
- Result: Nigeria won by 1 wicket
This dramatic finish keeps Nigeria’s hopes alive in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, while Zimbabwe will be reflecting on missed opportunities. The match began at 1:48 PM and concluded at 4:48 PM, marking one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament so far.
Stay tuned for more updates and match reports from the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier on the Rwanda Cricket Association website.
