The Junior Female Yellow Greens, Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, stunned the cricketing world with a thrilling two-run victory over Test-playing nation New Zealand in their opening match of the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup on Monday.
The historic win took place at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, Malaysia, as Nigeria showcased resilience and determination to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Match Highlights
Delayed by a wet outfield, the match was reduced to 13 overs per side, with New Zealand opting to field first after winning the toss.
Despite an early collapse, Nigeria’s captain Lucky Piety provided a spark, hitting the team’s first-ever World Cup six.
However, New Zealand’s bowlers kept the pressure, reducing Nigeria to 28 for three during the powerplay.
Lilian Ude steadied the innings with a crucial knock of 19 runs, while Omosigho Eguakun struck a boundary on the final ball to guide Nigeria to 66/6 in 13 overs.
In response, the Junior Yellow Greens started strongly with Peace Usen claiming a wicket on the first ball of New Zealand’s innings, running out Kate Irwin. Fellow opener Emma McLeod fell for just three runs.
New Zealand’s middle order, led by Eve Wolland and Anika Todd, threatened to stabilize the chase. However, timely dismissals by Piety and Shola Adekunle turned the game in Nigeria’s favor.
Needing 10 runs off the final over, Ude delivered a stellar bowling performance, conceding just six runs while executing a critical run-out on the last ball to seal the victory.
Key Performances
Lucky Piety (Captain): Scored 18 runs off 22 balls and took one wicket for just eight runs in three overs. Named Player of the Match.
Lilian Ude: Contributed 19 runs and bowled the decisive final over.
Peace Usen: Took the first wicket with a direct run-out, setting the tone for Nigeria’s defense.
Implications
With this monumental win, Nigeria sits second in Group C with three points, trailing leaders South Africa, who defeated Samoa by 10 wickets.
Both Nigeria and South Africa are strong contenders to advance to the Super 6 stage of the tournament.
This victory not only marks Nigeria’s first-ever win in a Cricket World Cup, writing their name in the books of record, but also underscores the rapid growth of women’s cricket in the country.
The Junior Female Yellow Greens have now set a benchmark for future generations, proving that determination and teamwork can achieve the unthinkable.
Their next challenge will see them face South Africa, where a win could solidify their place in the Super 6 stage.
