Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens secured a historic two-run victory over New Zealand in their debut match at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia. The thrilling encounter, which took place on January 20 at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, marked a significant achievement for Nigerian cricket.

The match faced a two-hour delay due to a wet pitch, but once the game got underway, New Zealand won the toss and elected to field in the reduced 13-over format. Despite early challenges, Nigeria's captain, Lucky Piety, led by example, hitting the team’s first-ever World Cup six. However, New Zealand took two quick wickets, leaving Nigeria at 28 for three after the powerplay.

Lilian Ude’s vital 19 runs and Omosigho Eguakun’s timely four off the last ball set New Zealand a target of 66 runs for the loss of six wickets in 13 overs.

In the second innings, Nigeria’s bowlers shone. Peace Usen claimed Nigeria’s first World Cup wicket on the very first ball, dismissing Kate Irwin with a run-out. Emma McLeod followed soon after, dismissed for just three.

Although New Zealand’s Eve Wolland and Anika Todd fought back with a steady partnership, Nigeria remained determined. Piety and Shola Adekunle claimed crucial wickets, and Ude delivered a match-winning final over, conceding just six runs and completing a run-out to seal Nigeria’s remarkable victory.

Piety was named Player of the Match, scoring 18 runs off 22 balls and taking one wicket for eight runs in three overs.

With three points, Nigeria is currently second in Group C, trailing leaders South Africa, who won against Samoa by 10 wickets. Nigeria and South Africa are well-positioned to reach the Super 6 stage, with their upcoming match on January 22 to determine the group’s top spot.