Cricket: Chukwuonye relishes Nigeria’s U

Cricket: Chukwuonye relishes Nigeria’s U-19 World Cup qualifier triumph

Nigeria captain Christabel Chukwuonye says she was reduced to tears after the Junior Female Yellow Greens held their nerve to defeat Zimbabwe by four runs in a dramatic final of the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier at the ESTIM Ground in Tanzania on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The tense victory not only crowned Nigeria champions of the continental qualifier but also secured their place at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 in Bangladesh and Nepal, with Chukwuonye admitting that the magnitude of the achievement left her struggling to contain her emotions.

“I actually cried when the game was over because I could not really express what I was feeling,” Chukwuonye said.

The captain hailed her teammates for remaining united

The captain hailed her teammates for remaining united and composed despite the mounting pressure in the final, particularly during Zimbabwe’s late charge for victory.

“ My team has really been the best. They listened to the coaches, stayed united and, even with the pressure in the last over, they were able to hold their nerves. I wouldn’t be here holding this trophy without the support of the coaching crew and my players. I am very grateful to all of them.”

Defending a 98-run total, Nigeria dismissed Zimbabwe for 94 with one delivery remaining to complete an unbeaten campaign in which they won all five of their matches.

Chukwuonye had earlier made a crucial contribution

Chukwuonye had earlier made a crucial contribution with 21 off 19 deliveries, while Beauty Oguai scored 19 from 35 balls and Jessica Bieni added 15 from 25. Deborah Bassey also struck an unbeaten 10 from just four deliveries as Nigeria finished on 98 for six in their 20 overs.

Christina Mutasa was Zimbabwe’s leading bowler with two for 11 from four overs, including a maiden, while Tadiwanashe Garutsa conceded only eight runs from her four overs and claimed one wicket.

Zimbabwe’s chase began positively through Nicolette Nyika, who scored 18, and Mutasa, who contributed 13, but Nigeria fought back to reduce their opponents to 38 for five.

Bethel Zinyama and Salem Museka then revived Zimbabwe’s

Bethel Zinyama and Salem Museka then revived Zimbabwe’s hopes with a 47-run sixth-wicket partnership. Zinyama made 21 from 31 deliveries, while Museka kept the chase alive with 27 from 32.

Nigeria held their composure in the closing overs, with Peace Usen leading the bowling attack with three for 19, while Jennifer Godwin claimed two for 11 and Annointed Akhigbe took two for 15.

Zimbabwe eventually fell for 94 in 19.5 overs, handing Nigeria a four-run victory and the championship.

The Junior Female Yellow Greens had earlier defeated Uganda, Malawi and Tanzania in the group stage before overcoming Rwanda in the semi-final.

Uganda finished third after defeating Rwanda by seven

Uganda finished third after defeating Rwanda by seven wickets, while hosts Tanzania secured fifth position with a 29-run victory over Kenya. Namibia defeated Malawi by nine wickets to finish seventh.

Nigeria will now join South Africa as Africa’s representatives at the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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Source: punchng.com