Again, Nigeria pip Zimbabwe to U-19 Women’s W’Cup ticket

Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have secured qualification for the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup  after defeating Zimbabwe by four runs in a dramatic final of the Africa Qualifier Division 1 in Tanzania.on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The final match up was a repeat of the 2024 qualifying tournament in Rwanda, where the Junior Female Yellow Greens edged the Zimbabweans by a superior head-to-head from the group stage after the final was washed out by the rain.

This time, Nigeria defended a modest total of 98 runs, bowling Zimbabwe out for 94 in 19.5 overs to secure a return to the World Cup after their maiden appearance last year in Malaysia where they finished sixth.

The victory capped an impressive campaign for the young Nigerian side who were unbeaten throughout the competition. They started the group stage by dispatching Uganda before more wins against Malawi and Tanzania while they edged Rwanda in the semi-final.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Nigeria faced a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling attack and finished their 20 overs on 98 for six.

Captain Christabel Chukwuonye led the batting effort with a composed 21 off 19 balls, while Beauty Oguai contributed 19 runs and Jessica Bieni added 15.

With Nigeria needing valuable runs in the closing stages, Deborah Bassey provided an important late contribution, scoring 10 runs from just four deliveries to help Nigeria reach 98.

It was a total that required a disciplined bowling and fielding performance to defend.

Zimbabwe began their chase with intent, but Nigeria’s bowlers consistently struck at crucial moments to keep the contest within reach.

Peace Usen produced the standout bowling performance for Nigeria, claiming three wickets for 19 runs from her four overs and disrupting Zimbabwe’s top order.

Jennifer Godwin added two wickets, while Shola Adekunle claimed one as Nigeria continued to apply pressure.

Zimbabwe’s resistance was led by Salem Princess Museka, who scored a determined 27 from 32 balls, keeping the hosts in contention deep into the chase.

With the required runs narrowing and the game moving into its final stages, Nigeria found themselves with only a slender margin to defend.

The decisive moment came in the final over, with Zimbabwe at 93 for nine, Nigeria needed one final wicket to complete the victory, while Zimbabwe remained within touching distance of the target.

The responsibility fell to Anointed Akhigbe, who had already dismissed Museka earlier in the innings.

Akhigbe held her nerves, with the fifth delivery of the 20th over, she bowled Vanessa Nyasha Maedza, completing Zimbabwe’s innings at 94 and sealing a memorable four-run victory for Nigeria.

She finished with two wickets for 15 runs in 2.5 overs, with her dismissals coming against Museka and Maedza.

The 2027 tournament will be co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.