The Nigeria U19 Women’s cricket team made an emphatic start to their Patricia Kambarami Cup campaign, defeating their Zimbabwean counterparts by eight wickets in the opening fixture.
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first, but faced early pressure from Nigeria’s opening bowlers, Lilian Ude and Anointed Akhigbe. Akhigbe secured the first breakthrough in the third over, dismissing Nicollete Nyika for 5. Peace Usen then took control, halting Zimbabwe’s momentum and instigating a collapse. By 10.3 overs, Zimbabwe were struggling at 46 for 5. Akhigbe struck twice more in the 12th over, and a sharp run-out from Christabel Chukuonye further compounded Zimbabwe’s woes. They were eventually bowled out for 80 runs in 16.5 overs.
Peace Usen was the standout bowler for Nigeria, claiming 3 wickets for 16 runs from her four overs, ably supported by Anointed Akhigbe, who also took 3 wickets. Beloved Biza (21), Lorraine Pemhiwa (22), and Nokuntenda Makanhiwa (10) were the main contributors for Zimbabwe.
Chasing 81 for victory, Nigerian openers Captain Lucky Piety and Victory Igbinedion approached the target with composure. Piety scored 21 off 19 balls before being dismissed in the fifth over, quickly followed by Igbinedion for 10. However, the partnership between Amusa Kehinde and Salome Sunday steadied the innings. Nigeria comfortably chased down the target, reaching 81 runs in just 11.2 overs. Salome Sunday finished unbeaten on 19, with Amusa Kehinde on 13.
Peace Usen was awarded Player of the Match for her excellent bowling performance. Nigeria secured a convincing eight-wicket win.
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