On Monday, the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia witnessed a historic moment: Nigeria’s women’s U-19 cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, defeated test-playing nation New Zealand by two runs in their debut match.
This remarkable victory has sent shockwaves through the cricket world and has been hailed as one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s history.
The Junior Female Yellow Greens, led by captain Lucky Piety, showed remarkable resilience and determination to secure this impressive win.
The match, which was reduced to 13 overs due to a wet pitch, saw Nigeria win the toss and elect to bat first. Despite an early setback, Piety led the fightback, hitting the team’s first-ever World Cup six. New Zealand responded by taking two quick wickets, leaving Nigeria at 28 for three after the powerplay.
Lilian Ude contributed 19 crucial runs, while Omosigho Eguakun struck a four off the final ball, setting New Zealand a target of 66 runs for the loss of six wickets in 13 overs.
The Junior Yellow Greens showed their mettle with the ball in the second innings. Peace Usen claimed Nigeria’s first World Cup wicket on the opening ball, running out Kate Irwin.
Captain Lucky Piety was named Player of the Match for her game-changing performance. She scored 18 runs off 22 balls and took one wicket for just eight runs in three overs.
This impressive victory has placed Nigeria second in Group C with three points, trailing leaders South Africa, who defeated Samoa by 10 wickets to claim their second win of the tournament.
A New Era for Nigerian Cricket?
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the team, saying, “I am very excited for our U19 cricket team, and this particular win is worthy of celebration for many reasons. The girls showed resilience, the true Nigerian spirit, and patriotism to upset cricket giant New Zealand.“
Olopade urged the team not to be carried away by the victory, saying, “I am very sure our girls can go all the way and shock the entire Cricket world after the display they put up against New Zealand, and that is the focus of the team.”
The Nigeria Cricket Federation, led by President Uyi Akpata, has worked tirelessly to develop and promote cricket in Nigeria. This victory shows that Nigerian cricket is rising.
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