By Ikemefuna Asika
Nigeria female U19 Cricket team (Yellow Greens) have been crowned the champions of ICC U19 Women’s T20 world cup Africa qualifier.
They also qualified for Division 1 after holding their nerve to defeat Zimbabwe by four runs in a dramatic final at the ESTIM Ground, TCA Cricket Arena, Tanzania on Saturday.
Defending 98, Nigeria dismissed Zimbabwe for 94 with just one delivery remaining to complete a perfect tournament in which they won all five of their matches.
The victory also secured Nigeria Africa’s sole qualification place at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 in Bangladesh and Nepal, where they will join South Africa as the continent’s representatives.
Nigeria held their nerve in a tense, low scoring final to defeat Zimbabwe by four runs and complete an unbeaten run through the tournament.
Batting first at the ESTIM Ground, Nigeria were made to work for every run by a disciplined Zimbabwe attack. Captain Christabel Chukwuonye provided an important late contribution of 21 from 19 deliveries, while Beauty Oguai made 19 from 35 and Jessica Bieni contributed 15 from 25. Deborah Bassey added a valuable unbeaten 10 from just four balls as Nigeria closed on 98 for six from 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 pursuit began positively through Nicolette Nyika, who made 18, and Christina Mutasa, who contributed 13, but Nigeria struck repeatedly to reduce them to 38 for five.
Bethel Zinyama and Salem Museka then revived Zimbabwe’s hopes with a crucial 47 run sixth wicket partnership. Zinyama made 21 from 31 deliveries, while Museka kept the chase alive with 27 from 32. With the pressure increasing in the closing overs, Nigeria found the breakthroughs they needed.
Peace Usen led the attack with three for 19, while Jennifer Godwin claimed two for 11 and Anointed Akhigbe took two for 15. Zimbabwe entered the final stages within touching distance of the target, but Nigeria remained composed and dismissed them for 94 in 19.5 overs to clinch a four-run victory and the championship.
An emotional Nigeria captain Christabel Chukwuonye praised her teammates for remaining united and composed throughout the competition. 1 “I actually cried when the game was over because I couldn’t really express what I was feeling. The next phase is just the beginning and we know it will be tougher.
‘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.”
Nigeria’s victory brought an exceptional campaign to a close, having defeated Uganda, Malawi and Tanzania in the group stage before overcoming Rwanda in the semi-final and Zimbabwe in the final.
In his remark, Tanzania Cricket Association Chairman Dr. B. S. Sreekumar reflected on the successful hosting of the tournament: “Hosting this qualifier has been a proud moment for the Tanzania Cricket Association.
‘Over the past week, we have welcomed eight national teams and witnessed competitive, high quality cricket across both grounds at the TCA Cricket Arena.
‘Beyond the results, the tournament has showcased the continued growth of women’s cricket across Africa and the importance of providing strong pathways for young players to compete at international level.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the ICC, all participating teams, match officials, volunteers, partners and supporters who contributed to making this tournament a success.
‘Tanzania is proud to have provided the stage for an important event in the development of the next generation of African women cricketers, and we congratulate Nigeria on earning their place at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027’ he said
Nigeria now progress to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 in Bangladesh and Nepal, completing an unbeaten qualifying campaign in Dar es Salaam.
Uganda finished third after defeating Rwanda by seven wickets, hosts Tanzania secured fifth position with a 29 run victory over Kenya, while Namibia defeated Malawi by nine wickets to finish seventh.
