MALAYSIA
Nigeria on Monday pulled off one of the biggest upsets in cricket history by defeating New Zealand by just two runs at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Kuching during the ongoing 2025 ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup.
The Nigerian Women’s U19 Cricket Team continued their historic journey after becoming the first team, across genders and age divisions, to qualify for an International Cricket Council (ICC) event.
After their opening game against Samoa was washed out, this clash against the White Ferns marked their first completed match in the prestigious tournament.
The rain-affected match was reduced to a 13-over contest, with New Zealand winning the toss and choosing to bowl first—a decision that ultimately backfired.
The Women in Green and Yellow posted a modest total of 65 runs, with captain Lucky Piety top-scoring with 19 runs. Liilian Udeh was the only other player to reach double figures, contributing 18 runs off 22 balls.
In response, New Zealand’s chase came down to a thrilling last-ball finish.
Needing nine runs in the final over, Nigerian skipper Piety held her nerve and delivered a stunning over, conceding just four runs off the first five balls.
With five runs required off the last ball, the Kiwi batter ran two runs before Tash Wakelin was run out, sealing Nigeria’s victory in dramatic fashion.
Piety bowled two overs, remaining wicketless but giving away only 13 runs. Usen Peace, Adeshola Adekunle and Udeh each took one wicket.
This marks New Zealand’s second consecutive defeat in the tournament, having lost their opening match to South Africa by 22 runs.
With their hopes of advancing to the next stage on the line, New Zealand must secure a commanding win against Samoa in their final group match on Wednesday (January 22).
Nigeria, on the other hand, has the opportunity to secure a spot in the Super Six knockout stages with a victory over South Africa in their final group match.
