Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, concluded their pre-World Cup preparations with a resounding seven-wicket victory over Scotland in a warm-up match held at the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This decisive win serves as a powerful statement of intent ahead of their inaugural appearance in the 2025 ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup, set to commence on Saturday against Samoa. The team’s dominant performance, particularly with the ball, restricted Scotland to a meager 62 runs, setting the stage for a comfortable chase and victory.
The Nigerian bowlers orchestrated a disciplined and effective display, dismantling the Scottish batting lineup with a combination of skill and strategic execution. Lillian Ude spearheaded the attack, claiming three crucial wickets, while Shola Adekunle contributed with two wickets of her own. Kehinde Amusa, Peace Usen, and captain Lucky Piety also chipped in with a wicket apiece, ensuring a steady flow of dismissals and maintaining pressure on the Scottish batters throughout their innings. The collective bowling effort effectively stifled Scotland’s scoring opportunities, paving the way for a straightforward chase for the Nigerian team.
Captain Lucky Piety led from the front in the chase, playing a blistering innings of 28 not out from just 16 balls, punctuated by three towering sixes. Her aggressive approach set the tone for a quickfire pursuit of the target, and she was ably supported by Victory Igbinedion, who continued her impressive form from the previous match against Pakistan, contributing a valuable 25 runs. The team comfortably reached the target of 64 runs in just 11.3 overs, losing only three wickets in the process, underlining the comprehensive nature of their victory.
This emphatic win against Scotland, ranked 11th globally and 14 places above Nigeria, follows a closely contested match against the eighth-ranked Pakistan two days prior, where the Junior Yellow Greens narrowly missed an upset. The team’s performance in these warm-up matches demonstrates their growing confidence and ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents, providing a glimpse of their potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming World Cup.
The Junior Female Yellow Greens’ journey in the World Cup begins on Saturday, January 18th, against fellow debutants Samoa at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. This opening match represents a significant milestone for Nigerian women’s cricket, marking their first appearance on the global U-19 stage. Following their clash with Samoa, the team will face tougher challenges against New Zealand on Monday, January 20th, and South Africa two days later, offering further opportunities to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience against established cricketing nations.
These pre-World Cup matches have served as a crucial platform for the Nigerian team to fine-tune their strategies and assess their readiness for the challenges ahead. The convincing victory over Scotland, coupled with the competitive performance against Pakistan, instills confidence in their ability to compete and potentially cause upsets in the tournament. The team’s performance showcases the growth and development of women’s cricket in Nigeria and signals their ambition to make a mark on the international stage. The stage is set for the Junior Female Yellow Greens to embark on their World Cup campaign, carrying the hopes and expectations of a nation eager to witness their progress in the global cricketing arena.
