Nigeria has exited the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, in spite of defeating cricket giants Ireland by 6 runs on Wednesday in their final game of the tournament’s Super Six.
Nigeria has had an impressive run at the tournament, winning two of five games, losing one and having two others washed out and points shared.
Having qualified to the Super Six stage with three points in group C, Nigeria had to face England and Ireland for a chance at the semi-finals spot.
With the game against England washed out, Nigeria faced Ireland with better energy at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval, Bangi but lost the toss and sent in to bat.
Ireland began brightly with the ball after finding a breakthrough in the opening over as Victory Igbinedion was run out by Abbi Harrison without scoring.
Muhibat Amusa followed the next over for five after she was bowled by Kia McCartney to leave her side six for two.
Nigeria’s opener Christabel Chukwuonye then settled her side’s innings, finding her first boundary of the match off Jennifer Jackson.
Chukwuonye was a steady presence despite wickets continuing to regularly fall, with Ireland’s Freya Sargent dismissing captain, Piety Lucky for four before Lara McBride claimed the wicket of Adeshola Adekunle.
The situation put Nigeria at 21 for four but Chukwuonye responded with two boundaries off McBride, and formed a strong partnership with Omosigho Eguakun until Chukwuonye fell in the 14th over for 25, caught off by McCartney.
Eguakun and Peculiar Agboya then combined for useful contributions of 17 each before Ellie McGee bowled Eguakun, and Lillian Ude added 12 at the death over to score 94/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
In the defence, Ude posted impressive figures of three for 11 with the ball to consistently hinder Ireland’s chase of 95.
Ireland’s opener Rebecca Lowe led the response with 21 for Ireland, but the steady fall of wickets ultimately proved key in earning victory for Nigeria in Bangi.
Ude picked Player of the match honours with her effort with the ball and bat.
This is Nigeria’s second victory of the tournament, after they also beat New Zealand by two runs at their maiden World Cup outing in Malaysia. (NAN)
