The highly anticipated Super Six opener between Nigeria and England at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia was abruptly abandoned on Saturday due to relentless rain, sparking frustration among fans and players alike.
The match, held at the Kinrara Oval, was called off after hours of persistent drizzle, leaving both teams to settle for a single point each.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the cancellation in a brief statement that left many spectators disappointed.
“The official word is in – the game has been abandoned. This outcome was expected, given the overnight rain and the persistent drizzle since the morning”, the ICC announced.
For Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens, this marks the second time rain has derailed their campaign, following the abandonment of their group stage opener against Samoa.
The repeated disruptions have drawn criticism from those who believe the tournament schedule should have accounted for Malaysia’s rainy season, raising questions about the ICC’s planning.
Despite the setback, Nigeria’s journey to the Super Six remains a highlight of the tournament. The 25th-ranked side stunned the cricket world by defeating test-playing giants New Zealand in what has been hailed as the event’s biggest upset.
Their record-breaking determination have earned them widespread admiration, with assistant coach Blessing Etim emphasizing the team’s grit.
“Qualifying for the Super Six is not by luck, it is by hard work—and hard work pays,” Etim said confidently.
“We believe in our players. They are resilient, strong, and capable. All they need is our continued support.”
Led by their star player Piety Lucky, Nigeria now prepares for an uphill battle against 10th-ranked Ireland in their next Super Six clash on Wednesday at the YSD UKM Oval in Bangi.
While the rain-induced interruptions have stolen some of the spotlight, the Junior Female Yellow Greens remain determined to make their mark.
With two matches already abandoned, questions loom over whether Nigeria will get the chance to fully showcase their talent on the global stage—or if poor weather will continue to dominate the headlines.
