WED JAN 29 2025-theGBJournal| Posting a tricky total of 94 in the early fixture after Niamh MacNulty won the toss and elected to bowl, Nigeria went on to beat Ireland by six wickets on the final day of the U19 T20 World Cup 2025 Super Six stage at the UKM Oval on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Losing key batter Victory Igbinedion in the first over and in the lurch at 18/3 inside five overs, Christabel Chukwuonye (25) led the rebuild with contributions from Omosigho Eguakun (17) and late flurries from Peculiar Agboya and Lilian Ude.
Kia McCartney was the pick of Ireland’s bowlers, finishing with 2/13 from four overs.
Ireland suffered an early setback in their chase, losing a wicket in the first over, but Freya Sargent and Rebecca Lowe steadied the innings, guiding them to 30-2 by the end of the powerplay.
However, regular wickets kept Nigeria in control despite some late resistance from Millie Spence and Kia McCartney.
Nigeria managed to withstand the late scare, bowling out Ireland for 88 to secure a narrow 6-run victory.
Lillian Ude was the standout performer with figures of 3/11, while Peace Usen and Anointed Akhigbe chipped in with two wickets each. For her all-round contribution, including a crucial 12 off 11 with the bat, Ude was named Player of the Match.
Nigeria with the victory, finished in third-place spot in Group 2 and scripting the perfect ending to their Under 19 T20 Cricket World Cup story.
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