Nigeria’s men’s cricket national team, The YellowGreens have taken another step closer to booking a spot at the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Regional Qualifiers, following another victory during the ongoing elimination series in Abuja.
Sports247 reports that the YellowGreens got a second straight victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C with a domineering nine-wicket win over Zambia on Wednesday at NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
En route to victory, the team chased down Zambia’s target of 143 runs, finishing on 146 for one in 14.5 overs to win with 31 balls to spare, during which Selim Salau got a milestone in passing 1,000 career T20 International runs for Nigeria with his half-century in the tie.
A report by Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) media
A report by Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) media manager, Zeal Ibe added: “Isaac Danladi led Nigeria’s successful chase with an unbeaten 90 off 47 balls to earn the Player of the Match award (though) Zambia won the toss and elected to bat.
“(Zambia then) posted 142 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, with Ismail Kara leading their batting effort. Kara scored 82 off 44 deliveries, hitting six fours and seven sixes in an innings that provided the bulk of Zambia’s runs.
“Nigeria’s bowlers restricted the visitors to a total the hosts could comfortably pursue, with Abdullahi Ismail delivering an outstanding performance of three wickets for nine runs in four overs.
Nigeria’s chase was built around an opening partnership
“Nigeria’s chase was built around an opening partnership of 125 runs between Danladi and Salau, putting the hosts in control. Danladi’s aggressive innings featured three fours and nine sixes, while Salau contributed 50 off 39 balls, including four fours and two sixes.
“Salau was run out in the 14th over, but Ali Rahmon joined Danladi at the crease as Nigeria completed the chase without further loss. Beyond the victory, Salau’s half-century extended his career tally to 1,063 T20I runs for Nigeria, marking another milestone in his international career.
“The batter had reached the 1,000-run mark during Nigeria’s opening match against The Gambia on Tuesday, when he scored an unbeaten 105 off 58 deliveries. His century helped Nigeria post 262 for one before the YellowGreens bowled out The Gambia’s challenge to secure a 160-run victory.
Salau’s century against The Gambia and half-century against
“Salau’s century against The Gambia and half-century against Zambia have provided Nigeria with important contributions at the top of the batting order as the team pursues qualification for the next stage of the tournament.”
Sports247 gathered further that both wins give Nigeria an encouraging start, aa the YellowGreens are seeking to qualify for the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, where two teams will advance to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028.
Source: www.sports247.ng
