NIGERIA stunned favourites New Zealand to claim victory in their first-ever completed ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup clash today.
Making their ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup debut in this edition, the Nigerians were left to wait for an opportunity after their contest with Samoa on Saturday was abandoned due to the rain.
Wet weather again threatened proceedings in Sarawak, Malaysia, but the African nation made the most of their chances once it was confirmed there would be play, albeit a reduced contest of 13 overs each.
Nigeria scored 65-6 batting first, before producing an energetic display in the field that continued to add pressure on New Zealand’s run chase.
The Kiwis were 57-5, needing nine runs, with one over to go, and tight bowling from Lilian Ude got them over the line, finishing two runs shy of Nigeria’s total.
Following her impressive performance, Nigeria captain Piety Lucky was named Player of the Match.
Lucky had 18 runs off 22 balls and a bowling spell of 1 wicket for just 8 runs in 3 overs.
Up next for Nigeria is a clash with South Africa on Wednesday.
The South Africans defeated New Zealand in their opening game on Saturday.
Nigeria currently lead the group on three points, South Africa and Samoa, who will play each other later, are on one point.
New Zealand are bottom with no point after losing their opening two games.
