Nigeria U19 Cricket Girls
By Akanimo Kufre
Nigeria’s final Super Six stage game against Ireland on Wednesday morning in Malaysia was nerve-racking, but Captain Piety Lucky girls won by six runs, with Muhibat Amusa bowling Kia McCartney for the tenth wicket.
Following McCartney’s dismissals, the debutants, Nigerian U19 girls’ wild celebrations came to a peak when Lilian Ude received the Player of the Match award.
Ude made three dismissals as Nigeria gently restricted the Irish cricket side, who were getting closer to their 95-run mark.
Nigeria batted first and scored 94 runs, with Lilian Ude hitting 12 off 11 balls, Piety Lucky wad unlucky and got caught by Ellie McGee after 4 run, and Christabel Chukwuonye contributing an amazing 25 runs.
Nigeria’s fielding started well, with Peace Usen announcing her consistency by taking Alice Walsh, Ireland biggest batter. Nigerias wicket keeper Deborah Bassey caught Freya Sergeant to set Nigeria on course. Lilian Ude, Anointed, Adeshola, Piety Lucky, Muhibat Amusa, and Peace Usen all took wickets to tighten the strangle hold on Ireland despite some shaking fielding mistakes.
The 18th over was most nervous when Nigeria seemed to have control, but Amusa gave a wide ball in her first ball of the over. Another short ball was sent to the boundary for four runs. Muhibat Amusa was given a hug and pep talk by teammate Lilian. The support made a huge difference as Amusa’s next ball became magical. Kia McCartney attempted to block, but the woodwork was hit, and the bails flight signal Nigerias long awaited consolation celebrations.
Nigeria finished 5th in the tournament as ‘daring debutants’ with assurance of better ranking and automatic U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in the next edition.
This victory is a reward for great investment by Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Board led by Mr. Uyi Akpata. Mr. Akpata will arrive in Nigeria soon as a successful leader, mostly because his girls kept to his instructions – “announce your presence to the world”! Mr. Uyi had admonished them.
Simillarly, Coach Sarah Bhakita will also return happier, although her target was reaching the semifinals. The girls will leave Malaysia with great memories of adventurous exploits for Nigeria as we look forward to more support from Mr. Bukola Olopade, the National Sport Commission, and more brand partnership
