The Junior Yellow Female Greens of Nigeria made history on Monday by recording their first-ever win at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup following a two-run victory over New Zealand, Afrosport reports.
Nigeria had to settle for a point share in their opening game at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup against Samoa after the match was abandoned due to heavy rain.
A historic first #U19WorldCup win for Nigeria 👏
📝: https://t.co/VdlPdINwlE pic.twitter.com/gJmwfLsHER
— ICC (@ICC) January 20, 2025
New Zealand, the 2023 semi-finalists, won the toss and opted to field first at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, Malaysia, with the Junior Yellow Female Greens racing to 65 runs for a loss of six wickets across 13 overs in the first inning in their debut.
Captain Lucky Piety, who was named Player of the Match, shone for the Junior Female Yellow Greens, recording 18 runs off 22 balls and an outstanding bowling performance that saw her take one wicket for just eight runs in three overs.
The 18-year-old also etched her name in the history books as she hit Nigeria’s first-ever six at the tournament.
Skipper Piety Lucky was at the heart of Nigeria’s first-ever victory in #U19WorldCup history 🤩
She wins the @aramco POTM award 🎖️ pic.twitter.com/ofjHvOKarp
— ICC (@ICC) January 20, 2025
With New Zealand locked at 57/5 and needing just nine runs in the final over of the 13-over match, Nigeria’s Lillian Udeh, who top-scored with 19 runs, conceded just six runs to help the West Africans hold on for victory.
The victory temporarily placed the Junior Yellow Greens atop the Group C standings, but South Africa retook the lead following a landslide 10-wicket win over Samoa.
Nigeria, with three points, one behind leaders South Africa, who they will face in their final group game on Wednesday, 22 January, are on course to progress to the Super Six.
