By Akanimo Kufre
Nigeria’s last game in the Super Six stage against Ireland on Wednesday morning in Malaysia was nerve-wracking, but Captain Piety Lucky girls finished victorious by 6 runs as Muhibat Amusa bowled Kia McCartney as 10th wicket.
The wild celebrations concluded for the Nigerian U19 girls with Lilian Ude being decorated with the Player of the Match Award. Ude made 3 dismissals as Nigeria tactfully restrained the Irish Cricket team, who were closer to 95 runs target.
Nigeria batted first and scored 94 runs with Lilian Ude, scoring 12 runs off 11 balls, Piety Lucky was not caught by Ellie McGee, while Christabel Chukwuonye contributed outstanding 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, ed but Amusa gave a wide ball in her first ball of the over. Another shot 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 because his girls kept to his instructions – “announce your presence to the world”!
Simillarly, Coach Sarah Bhakita will also return happy, although her target was 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 and National Sport Commission.