By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have secured qualification for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup for the second time after edging Zimbabwe by four runs in a thrilling final of the Africa Qualifier Division 1 in Tanzania.
Defending a modest target of 99, Nigeria bowled Zimbabwe out for 94 in 19.5 overs to clinch the World Cup ticket in dramatic fashion.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, Nigeria posted 98 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Christabel Chukwuonye top-scored with a composed 21 off 19 balls, while Beauty Oguai made 19 and Jessica Bieni contributed 15.
Deborah Bassey provided a crucial late boost, smashing 10 runs from just four deliveries to lift Nigeria to a competitive total and set up a tense finish.
Nigeria’s bowlers then delivered when it mattered most. Peace Usen was the standout performer with three wickets for 19 runs from four overs, while Jennifer Godwin claimed two wickets and Shola Adekunle took one.
Zimbabwe remained firmly in the contest, led by Salem Princess Museka, who scored 27 from 32 balls. With the hosts needing only a handful of runs in the closing stages, Nigeria faced a nervy final over at 93 for nine.
Anointed Akhigbe, who had earlier dismissed Museka, held her nerve to produce the decisive moment. With the fifth delivery of the 20th over, she bowled Vanessa Nyasha Maedza to end Zimbabwe’s innings on 94 and spark wild celebrations among the Nigerian players and support staff.
Akhigbe finished with two wickets for 15 runs from 2.5 overs, including the crucial final wicket.
The victory marks the second time Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have qualified for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, highlighting the continued growth of women’s cricket in the country.
The campaign also showcased the depth and promise within Nigeria’s junior women’s cricket pathway, with contributions from across the squad proving decisive in Tanzania.
From Usen’s match-defining bowling spell and Chukwuonye’s leadership to Bassey’s late hitting and Akhigbe’s composure under pressure, the Yellow Greens displayed resilience and character to earn their place among the world’s best young cricket teams.
Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens are going back to the World Cup — another major milestone for women’s cricket in the country.
