Coach Sarah Bhakita
By Akanimo Kufre
The stakes are higher for Nigeria’s U19 Women’s Cricket team at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia, following a shared point situation with England on Saturday morning.
Nigeria’s first Super Six game was viewed as a mammoth assignment against 2023 finalist England. It could have been a ‘David and Goliath’ duel, but the rain came down, and Nigeria and England tied for one point each.
For the Nigeria U19 girls, Saturday’s encounter could have been either a heartbreaking setback or a spectacular performance.
Nigerian female World Cup players are scary, unexpected, and astonishing. In contrast, outstanding performers in England include Davina Perrin and Tilly.
However, Coach Sarah Bhakita said that since Nigeria made an upset against New Zealand, England would not have been different.
“Shared points are an advantage and disadvantage. We had an upset with New Zealand, so we were hoping to replicate the same performance in England’s game and get the 2 points. Right now, sharing the point is not in our favour. We needed the 2 points to increase our chances to play the semifinals.” Bhakita told our reporter.
Nigeria’s Head Coach target is playing in the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup semifinals. With Nigeria’s 3 points in the Super Six stage, Coach Sarah Bhakita’s dreams are still achievable as they are currently 3rd in Group 2 behind England with 4 points.
South Africa is already qualified. If the Nigeria U19 cricket girls can pick full 2 points against Ireland and England loses their game against New Zealand, then the West African cricket powerhouse progresses into the semis.
If both England and Nigeria lose their last Super Six games or share points, then England will progress to join South Africa, India and Australia in the last four stage of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. The ‘Junior Female Yellow Greens’ are highly motivated to deliver good cricket when the weather permits the complete T20 match.
