Nigeria’s Under-19 Women’s Cricket team showcased their prowess with a resounding 7-wicket victory over Scotland in a pre-World Cup warm-up match held at the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This victory serves as a significant confidence booster for the Nigerian team as they prepare to embark on their maiden ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup campaign. The tournament, featuring 16 nations, is scheduled to commence on Saturday, January 14th, and will culminate on February 2nd.
The warm-up match, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), provided participating teams with valuable on-field experience ahead of the high-stakes tournament. Nigeria, after winning the toss, elected to field first, a decision that proved strategically sound as their bowlers delivered a disciplined and penetrating performance. Lilian Ude, the team’s pace bowler, spearheaded the attack with a remarkable spell, claiming 3 wickets for a mere 15 runs. Her efforts were ably supported by spinner Adekunle Adeshola, who also bagged 2 wickets for 15 runs. The opening bowlers, Peace Usen and Muhibat Amusa, chipped in with a wicket each, further tightening the screws on the Scottish batting line-up.
The collective bowling effort, coupled with sharp fielding, restricted Scotland to a paltry 67 runs all out in 18.2 overs. This disciplined bowling performance set the stage for a comfortable chase for the Nigerian team. Captain Piety Lucky led from the front with an explosive innings, smashing 28 runs off just 16 balls, including three towering sixes. Her aggressive approach ensured that Nigeria maintained a healthy run rate throughout the chase. Victory Igbinedion provided solid support at the other end, contributing a steady 25 runs off 41 balls.
Nigeria comfortably reached the target of 68 runs in just 11.3 overs, losing only 3 wickets in the process. The commanding victory not only underscored the team’s all-round capabilities but also demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure. This win serves as a timely morale boost for the young Nigerian side as they prepare to face tougher competition in the World Cup. The team will be aiming to carry this momentum into their opening match against Samoa on Saturday.
Nigeria has been drawn into Group C alongside Samoa, New Zealand, and South Africa. Following their opening encounter with Samoa, they will face the formidable challenge of New Zealand on January 20th. Their final group stage match will be against South Africa on January 22nd. These matches will test the mettle of the Nigerian team against some of the strongest cricketing nations in the world. The experience gained from these encounters will be invaluable for the development of these young players.
The ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup represents a significant milestone for women’s cricket globally, providing a platform for young female cricketers to showcase their talent on the international stage. For Nigeria, this tournament marks their debut on the world stage, offering a unique opportunity to compete against the best and gain invaluable experience. Their impressive victory against Scotland in the warm-up match suggests that they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead and are ready to make their mark on the tournament. The team’s performance will be closely followed by cricket enthusiasts back home in Nigeria, who will be hoping to see their young stars shine on the global stage.
