T20 Women’s Under19 Cricket World Cup: South Africa defeats Nigeria to top Group C

By Mark Ogagan

South Africa’s Under19 Women beat Nigeria in a rain-affected T20 World Cup encounter at Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, Malaysia on Wednesday.

South Africa won by 41 runs (DLS method) to finish on top of Group C and qualify for the Super Six stage.

After a rain delay, the match was reduced to eight overs a side, meaning Nigeria had to chase a DLS-adjusted 66 runs to win.

The Junior Proteas restricted Nigeria to 24-8, claiming a comfortable 41-run victory to remain unbeaten and secure the top spot in Group C.

Nigeria’s openers knew they had their work cut out but couldn’t quite handle the pressure from an attacking South African bowling unit.

Fast bowler Nthabiseng Nini struck in the first over as she dismissed opener Peculiar Agboya for a three-ball duck.

From then on, the Proteas’ U19 side continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals with Nigerian captain Piety Lucky, who starred with the ball during the South African innings, scoring five before she was run out.

Lillian Ude top-scored for Nigeria as she made six off 12 balls before being run out.

Proteas spinner Seshnie Naidu produced superb figures of two for one in her sole over bowled, while SA captain Kayla Reyneke ended on figures of two for 13.

Earlier in the group stages, the South Africans clinched victories against New Zealand (22 runs DLS) and Samoa (10 wickets).

Scores in brief:

South Africa 49-2 in 8 (Lourens 25, Botha 10*, Lucky 2/12)

Nigeria 24-8 in 8 (Ude 6, Lucky 5, Naidu 2/1, Reyneke 2/13)

Result: South Africa won by 41 (DLS method)