By Chinedum Ohanusi &
Zeal Ibe
Nigeria’s Senior Women’s Cricket Team, popularly known as the Female Yellow-Greens, began their quest for a spot at the T20 World Cup on the perfect note, at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Namibia, in style and with a commanding 96-run victory over West African rivals, Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone won the toss, and put Nigeria to bat; and the Yellow-Greens Ceases the momentum, by showcasing their batting depth and power; piling-up a formidable total of 182 for 3, in 20 overs.
Player of the match, Piety Lucky was the star of the innings, as she blasted a sensational 68 runs off just 36 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes, setting the tone with fearless stroke play.
She was well-supported by Muhibat Amusa, who played a steady knock of 31 runs from 33 balls, before being run out.
The momentum was carried forward by Salome Sunday, who struck an elegant 47 off 33 deliveries, smashing 8 boundaries, while Christabel Chukwuonye added a quick-fire 20 off 15 balls.
Their combined efforts powered Nigeria to one of their highest T20 International totals in recent competitions.
In reply, Sierra Leone never looked comfortable against Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack and could only manage 86/8 in 20 overs.
Nigeria’s bowlers also delivered with precision, as Rachael Samson who made her 60th appearance for the Yellow-Greens was the most economical and effective, claiming 1 wicket for just 8 runs in 3 overs.
Adeshola Adekunle and Piety Lucky also chipped in with vital breakthroughs; and the Contributions from Peace Usen, and Muhibat Amusa (0/12 ensured that the pressure never eased on Sierra Leone’s batters, despite some resistance from their middle order.
Regular wickets at crucial intervals ensured Nigeria’s dominance throughout the innings,.and the final scoreboard reflected Nigeria’s superiority: Nigeria 182 for 3 (in 20 overs) bettered Sierra Leone 86 for 8 (in 20 overs), hence the victory by 96 runs.
Aside from boosting Nigeria’s net run rate, the emphatic victory also depicts the teams readiness for the other sides in Group A, host nation Namibia and Zimbabwe, two regional and Continental powerhouses, in the coming days.
