The Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team, popularly known as the Female Yellow Greens, announced their arrival in style at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Namibia with a commanding 96-run victory over Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone, after winning the toss, put the female YellowGreens to bat. Nigeria showcased their batting depth and power, piling up a formidable total of 182/3 in 20 overs.
Piety Lucky Player of the match was the star of the innings, blasting a sensational 68 runs off just 36 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes, setting the tone with fearless stroke play. She was well-supported by Muhibat K. Amusa, who played a steady knock of 31 runs from 33 balls, before being run out.
The momentum was carried forward by Salome Sunday, who struck an elegant 47 off 33 deliveries, smashing 8 boundaries, while Christabel Chukwuonye added a quick-fire 20 off 15 balls. Their combined efforts powered Nigeria to one of their highest T20I totals in recent competitions.
In reply, Sierra Leone never looked comfortable against Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack and could only manage 86/8 in 20 overs.
The Nigerian bowlers delivered with precision:
- Rachael Samson, who made her 60th appearance for Nigeria, was the most economical and effective, claiming 1 wicket for just 8 runs in 3 overs.
- Adeshola Adekunle (1/10 in 3 overs) and Piety Lucky (1/12 in 2 overs) also chipped in with vital breakthroughs.
- Contributions from Peace Usen (0/19 in 4 overs) and Muhibat K. Amusa (0/12 in 3 overs) ensured the pressure never eased on Sierra Leone’s batters.
Despite some resistance from Sierra Leone’s middle order, regular wickets at crucial intervals ensured Nigeria’s dominance throughout the innings. The final scoreboard reflected Nigeria’s superiority: Nigeria 182/3 (20 overs) defeated Sierra Leone 86/8 (20 overs) by 96 runs.
This emphatic victory not only boosts Nigeria’s net run rate but also depicts the team’s readiness for other contenders in Group A, where the Yellow Greens will face host nation Namibia and regional powerhouse Zimbabwe in the coming days.
With confidence sky-high and both batting and bowling firing in unison, Nigeria’s quest for a World Cup spot has begun on the perfect note.
Zeal Ibe
Media Manager
Nigeria Cricket Federation