In a landmark achievement for Nigerian cricket, the Junior Yellow Greens, Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, secured their first-ever victory in the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup. The team defeated test-playing nation New Zealand by two runs in a nail-biting match on Monday, January 20, 2025. This incredible feat came during their debut appearance in the tournament currently hosted in Malaysia.
The thrilling encounter occurred at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, where the team’s grit, resilience, and determination were fully displayed. The win not only etched Nigeria’s name in the history books but also underscored the growing development of cricket in the country, fueled by sustained grassroots initiatives and investment.
A Rainy Start, A Historic Finish for Nigerian Cricket
The Junior Yellow Greens’ journey to this milestone began on a challenging note. Their opening Group C match against Samoa, scheduled for Saturday, January 18, was abandoned without a single ball being bowled due to heavy rain and an unplayable wet outfield. Both teams were awarded one point each, leaving Nigeria eager to prove themselves in their next outing.
Monday’s game against New Zealand wasn’t without its weather challenges. A wet pitch caused a two-hour delay, reducing the match to 13 overs per side. Despite these hurdles, the Nigerian team took to the field with unmatched energy and determination.
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Nigeria’s Batting Performance
Winning the toss, New Zealand chose to field first, sending the Nigerian batters to the crease. Captain Lucky Piety led from the front, smashing Nigeria’s first-ever six in a Women’s World Cup match. Her composed innings of 18 runs off 22 balls anchored the team during a crucial phase, even as the opposition bowled tight lines to restrict scoring opportunities.
Lilian Ude provided valuable support with her 19-run contribution, playing sensibly to stabilize the innings. Omosigho Eguakun chipped in with a vital boundary on the final ball, helping Nigeria finish their innings at 65 runs for the loss of six wickets.
Although the target appeared modest, it was a competitive score considering the conditions and the pressure of a World Cup debut against a formidable opponent like New Zealand.
A Bowlers’ Masterclass
Defending a total of 66 runs against a test-playing nation was no easy task, but the Junior Yellow Greens were up to the challenge. Their bowling unit, led by captain Lucky Piety, delivered a disciplined and determined performance, applying consistent pressure on New Zealand’s batters.
Peace Usen made an immediate impact, claiming Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup wicket on the opening delivery of the innings with a sharp run-out of Kate Irwin. The early breakthrough energized the Nigerian side and set the tone for the rest of the match.
New Zealand’s batters struggled to find their rhythm, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Emma McLeod was dismissed for three runs, while Eve Wolland and Anika Todd, who had briefly steadied New Zealand’s innings, fell victim to Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack.
Captain Piety shone with the ball, taking one crucial wicket for just eight runs in her three overs. Meanwhile, Lilian Ude delivered an exceptional final over, conceding only six runs and securing a dramatic run-out on the match’s last ball. This remarkable display ensured that New Zealand fell short of their target, finishing at 57 runs for five wickets.
A Milestone Moment
The two-run victory over New Zealand marked a watershed moment for Nigerian cricket, especially for the women’s game. It was a triumph of determination, preparation, and skill against an opponent with significantly more experience on the international stage.
Captain Lucky Piety was named Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round performance. Her composed batting, sharp bowling, and inspiring leadership were pivotal in securing the historic win.
“This win is a dream come true for us,” Piety said in a post-match interview. “It’s a testament to the hard work and belief that we, as a team, have put into our game. We dedicate this victory to all Nigerians who continue to support cricket’s growth.”
The Growth of Cricket in Nigeria
The Junior Yellow Greens’ success is a testament to the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s (NCF) efforts in developing the sport at the grassroots level. Over the past six to seven years, the NCF has invested significantly in training programs, infrastructure, and talent identification. Uyi Akpata, President of the NCF, expressed pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing that their participation in the World Cup is just the beginning of greater achievements for Nigerian cricket.
“This victory reflects the strides we’ve made in growing cricket across Nigeria,” Akpata said. “It’s not just about playing the game but also about inspiring the next generation of players.”
The team’s participation in Malaysia is only Nigeria’s second-ever appearance on a World Cup stage, following the men’s U-19 team’s debut in 2019.
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The Road Ahead
With three points from two matches, Nigeria now sits second in Group C behind South Africa, which has won both of their games so far. The Junior Yellow Greens will face South Africa on Wednesday, January 22, in a crucial match to determine the group’s top spot.
The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, bringing Nigeria closer to the semifinals if they maintain their momentum. The Junior Yellow Greens have already shown they can compete with the best, and their next matches will be critical in proving their consistency.
Standout players like Peace Usen, Lilian Ude, and Omosigho Eguakun will be key to Nigeria’s continued success. Their resilience, skill, and team spirit have already won the hearts of fans and inspired many young Nigerians to consider cricket as a viable sport.
A Bright Future for Nigerian Cricket
The Junior Yellow Greens’ victory over New Zealand is more than just a win—it’s a powerful statement about the potential of cricket in Nigeria. It highlights how far the sport has come and the exciting future that lies ahead.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Nigeria’s young stars as they continue to chase history. Whether they advance to the Super Six stage or beyond, the Junior Yellow Greens have already made their mark, proving that dreams can become reality with hard work, passion, and belief.