YellowGreens edge Zimbabwe to seal 2027 U-19 T20 World Cup qualification
Nigeria’s Junior Female YellowGreens have punched their ticket to the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup after holding their nerve to defeat Zimbabwe by four runs in a thrilling Africa Qualifier final in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
The hard-fought victory at the Estim, TCA Cricket Arena earned Nigeria a second appearance at the global tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.
After winning the toss, Nigeria opted to bat but found runs difficult to come by, eventually posting 98 for six from their 20 overs.
Christabel Chukwuonye led the scoring with 21, while Beauty Oguai contributed 19 and Jessica Bieni added 15. Deborah Bassey provided a late push, finishing unbeaten on 10.
Zimbabwe began their chase needing 99 for victory and looked capable of completing the job as they reached 85 for six after 17.4 overs.
But Nigeria produced a stunning finish with the ball.
The YellowGreens claimed Zimbabwe’s final four wickets for just nine runs, bowling them out for 94 with one ball remaining to snatch a dramatic four-run victory.
Salem Princess Museka top-scored for Zimbabwe with 27, while Bethel Makanaka Zinyama made 21 and Nicolette Paloma Nyika added 18.
Peace Usen was the standout performer with the ball for Nigeria, taking three wickets for 19 runs. Jennifer Godwin and Anointed Akhigbe chipped in with two wickets apiece as Nigeria held their nerve under pressure.
The triumph capped an unbeaten campaign for the Junior Female YellowGreens, who now turn their attention to the biggest stage as they prepare to represent Africa at the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
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