In an impressive performance at the sub-regional ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier finals held in Abuja, Nigeria secured first place after defeating Botswana by 77 runs. This victory not only crowned Nigeria champions of the C qualifiers but also guaranteed their advancement to the regional finals slated for July 2025. The tournament, which took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, saw Nigeria completing the event with an unbeaten streak, achieving five wins out of five matches. Both Nigeria and Botswana entered the final match tied with eight points, making the outcome pivotal for the title.
In the title-deciding clash, Nigeria won the toss and ventured to bat first, setting a formidable target of 181 runs for Botswana. The innings was propelled by standout performances from Sulaimon Runsewe and Isaac Danladi, who scored 74 runs and 80 runs respectively, demonstrating aggressive batting and a solid partnership. Their efforts allowed Nigeria to compile a total of 181 runs for the loss of five wickets within the 20 overs, establishing a strong position that put pressure on the Botswana team during their chase.
Botswana, led by captain Karabo Motlhanka, struggled in response, failing to reach a century until the 15th over of their innings. The Nigerian bowling attack, spearheaded by Player of the Match Ridwan Abdulkareem, proved to be relentless. Abdulkareem’s exceptional performance included claiming six wickets, dismantling the Botswana batting lineup and restricting them to a mere 104 runs in 18.2 overs. This stellar bowling display exemplified the depth and competitiveness of the Nigerian team throughout the tournament.
The final standings reflected Nigeria’s dominance, with them finishing at the top, accumulating 10 points with a perfect record. Botswana, despite their loss in the final, secured second place with eight points. Moreover, Sierra Leone impressed with their strong performance in the tournament, claiming third place after a commanding 112-run victory over Eswatini. In contrast, St. Helena, with only one win, finished fifth, while the debutants, Ivory Coast, ended at the bottom of the table winless.
With their successful campaigns, Nigeria and Botswana now advance to the next stage of the tournament alongside other qualifiers, including Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. They will compete in the upcoming regional finals, where they will vie for a chance to represent Africa in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Namibia and Uganda, who represented Africa in the last T20 World Cup, are automatically drawn as byes to the regional finals, increasing the stakes for the qualifying teams.
Looking ahead, the top two teams from the regional finals will earn the opportunity to compete at the World Cup, joining South Africa as Africa’s representatives. This path to the World Cup not only highlights the growing competitiveness of cricket in Africa but also emphasizes the potential for Nigerian cricket to make a mark on the global stage. The excitement surrounding the qualifiers, along with the exemplary performances showcased by the teams, sets a promising tone for the future of African cricket and its representation in international tournaments.
