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

Nigeria's Junior Female Yellow Greens have qualified for the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup after beating Zimbabwe by four runs in the Africa Qualifier Division 1 final in Tanzania on Saturday, according to PUNCH Sports Extra. The final match-up was a replay of the 2024 tournament in Rwanda, where Nigeria had edged out Zimbabwe by a superior head-to-head in the group stage after the match was rain-affected.

This time, Nigeria defended a modest total of 98 runs, dismissing Zimbabwe for 94 in 19.5 overs, securing their return to the World Cup after their debut last year in Malaysia, where they finished sixth. Nigeria's unbeaten campaign saw them win against Uganda, Malawi, and Tanzania in the group stage, and edge Rwanda in the semi-final.

Captain Christabel Chukwuonye led the batting effort with a composed 21 off 19 balls, while Beauty Oguai and Jessica Bieni contributed 19 and 15 runs respectively. Deborah Bassey's late contribution of 10 runs off just four deliveries proved crucial. Zimbabwe started their chase with intent, but Nigeria's disciplined bowling and fielding kept them within reach.

Peace Usen's standout bowling performance, claiming three wickets for 19 runs from four overs, disrupted Zimbabwe's top order. Nigeria required only one wicket to win, and Anointed Akhigbe, who had earlier dismissed Museka, delivered the final blow by dismissing Vanessa Nyasha Maedza, securing a memorable four-run victory for Nigeria.