In the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, Nigeria’s women’s U-19 cricket team advanced to the Super 6 round after placing second in Group C, behind South Africa.
Despite losing to South Africa by 41 runs (DLS method) on Wednesday, the Junior Female Yellow Greens’ historic two-run victory over New Zealand on Monday and their point share against Samoa were more than sufficient to secure their place as the second-best team in Group C.
In their second meeting in women’s cricket within the past year, captain Piety Lucky won the toss and sent the top African team to bat first.
Simone Lourens’ four fours helped South Africa get off to a strong start in the crease, but she was eventually stopped by Lucky in the seventh over before a rain break reduced the game to eight overs.
As the first innings ended with the South Africans at 49 for 2, Lucky carried on from where she had left off, dismissing Kayla Reyneke with yet another devious ball.
Read Also: FRC: No Hyperinflation in Nigeria’s Economic Landscape
Sarah Bakhita’s team only managed 24 for 8 during the nerve-wracking Nigerian pursuit, and the adrenaline boost did not help them.
The Nigerian squad will continue to attempt to make history this Saturday, January 25, when they play England, and on Wednesday, January 29, when they play Ireland, regardless of the outcome.
In Group B, England and Ireland came out on top, finishing first and third, respectively.
If the Junior Female Yellow Greens want to advance to the semi-finals, they will need to build on their group stage performances in the upcoming round.