Yellow Greens beat Zimbabwe to reach ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

Nigeria‘s under-19 national women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, have secured qualification for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup after a four-run victory over Zimbabwe in the final of the Africa Qualifier Division 1 in Tanzania.

​The victory marks the second time Nigeria has qualified for the global tournament.

​Defending a total of 98 runs, Nigeria bowled out Zimbabwe for 94 in 19.5 overs at the end of a closely contested match.

​After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria reached 98 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Christabel Chukwuonye top-scored with 21 off 19 balls, supported by Beauty Oguai (19) and Jessica Bieni (15). A late cameo from Deborah Bassey, who scored 10 runs off  deliveries, pushed Nigeria to their total.

​Zimbabwe’s run chase started strongly, led by Salem Princess Museka’s 27 off 32 balls. However, Nigeria’s bowling attack maintained pressure throughout the innings. Peace Usen took 3 for 19 in four overs, while Jennifer Godwin took two wickets and Shola Adekunle claimed one.

​With Zimbabwe needing five runs off the final over with one wicket remaining, bowler Anointed Akhigbe sealed the match. On the fifth ball of the 20th over, Akhigbe bowled Vanessa Nyasha Maedza to end Zimbabwe’s innings at 94. Akhigbe finished with figures of 2 for 15 in 2.5 overs.

​The tournament win concludes an undefeated qualifying campaign in Tanzania for the Nigerian squad.