Cricket: Nigeria defeats New Zealand, clinches historic U-19 Women’s W’Cup victory

Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens finally made their long-awaited debut at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia, marking the occasion with a thrilling two-run victory over test-playing nation New Zealand on Monday.

The game faced a delay due to rain in Sarawak, similar to the team’s encounter with Samoa on Saturday. However, this time, the Nigerian squad was not to be denied their moment.

The match eventually began over two hours later than scheduled, with reduced overs, but the determined Yellow Greens capitalized on the opportunity to make history.

New Zealand elected to field first, sending the Nigerian batters into the crease.

Captain Lucky Piety hit Nigeria’s first six at a Women’s World Cup in a steadied innings as the Junior Yellow Greens finished with 65 runs for the loss of six wickets in 13 overs.

Knowing they had to come to the party with their bowling as well, Sarah Bakhita’s team took the second innings slow and steady and eventually knocked off the fourth-ranked nation for 63 runs for the loss of six wickets as well.