By IJEOMA OKIGBO

Nigeria has made history with a first win in her first game at the International Cricket Council (ICC) U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.

Nigeria defeated 2023 semi finalists, New Zealand, by 2 runs on Monday morning at the Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.

Having seen their first game against Samoa abandoned with both teams sharing a point apiece, Nigeria finally got on the park in Sarawak in a reduced 13-over match.

Nigeria, losing the toss and sent in to bat first, Captain Piety Lucky led the charge scoring Nigeria’s first World Cup six.

New Zealand, however, hit back, applying the squeeze and claiming two wickets to see Nigeria slip to 28 for three after the powerplay.

Nigeria’s Lilian Ude had the most runs with 19 before a four off the final ball from Omosigho Eguakun saw Nigeria set New Zealand 66 to win.

The Junior Yellow Greens got off to a flying start in the defence, taking their first World Cup wicket off their first ball as Kate Irwin was run out without facing.

Her opening partner, Emma McLeod, was dismissed for three in the third over as the other pair of New Zealand’s Eve Wolland and Anika Todd scored patiently but their dismissals gave Nigeria Renewed Hope.

Ude bowled a perfect final over, conceding only six runs with a run out on the final ball as Nigeria claimed a historic win.

Captain Lucky is Player of the match for her batting contributions 18(22) and with the ball 1/8 (3).

Nigeria are now second in group C with three points, behind South Africa with four points. Samoa are third place with a point while New Zealand are bottom place without a point.

Nigeria will face South Africa in the last group game on Wednesday. (NAN)