Nigeria Opens Cricket Africa Qualifier with Convincing Win Over Malawi

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, made a flying start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier campaign with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Malawi in Harare on Thursday.

The win not only gave the team maximum points but also underlined their determination to secure a place in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup billed for India and Sri Lanka.

Sent in to bat by Yellow Greens’ captain Slyvester Okpe, Malawi struggled to find their rhythm against a disciplined Nigerian bowling attack.

They were bundled out for 88 runs in 19.3 overs, with S. Vayani offering the only notable resistance, scoring 27 runs. Nigeria’s bowling unit was ruthless on the day — Ridwan Kareem stole the spotlight with a match-winning spell of 3 wickets for 24 runs to earn the Player of the Match award. Emmanuel Udekwe (2/11) and Prosper Useni (1/4) also chipped in with clinical spells that ensured Malawi never settled.

Chasing a modest target, Nigeria’s batting was equally commanding. Sulaimon Runsewe anchored the chase with an unbeaten 51 off 44 balls, while Salau Selim added quickfire runs with 26 off just 16 deliveries. Sesan Adedeji rounded things off with 12 not out as the Yellow Greens cruised to 92/1 in just 11.3 overs. It was a statement performance that not only delivered victory but also boosted team morale as the qualifiers intensify.

Match Summary:

Malawi: 88 all out in 19.3 overs (S. Vayani 27; R. Kareem 3/24, E. Udekwe 2/11, P. Useni 1/4)

Nigeria: 92/1 in 11.3 overs (S. Runsewe 51*, S. Selim 26, S. Adedeji 12*)

Result: Nigeria won by 9 wickets