ICC Women's U19 World Cup 2025: Nigeria stun New Zealand to create history

Nigeria, on Monday (January 20), created history as they stunned New Zealand to register a victory in their first-ever completed ICC Women's U19 World Cup game.

Nigeria made their debut in the tournament in the ongoing edition. Their first game was against Samoa on Saturday and while they would have liked to start their campaign with a win, the clash was abandoned due to rain.

However, the washed-out game did not dampen their spirits as they came up with a fine all round display to register a historic win over New Zealand. Wet weather once again threatened to play spoilsport but Nigeria had ample time to clinch a win after it was confirmed there would be play although the match was reduced to 13-over a side contest.

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Nigeria stun New Zealand in ICC Women's U19 World Cup 2025:

Batting first, Nigeria posted 65/6 in the allotted 13 overs. After the openers departed early, captain Piety Lucky and Lilian Ude steadied the ship for the African outfit. Lucky and Ude were the only batters from Nigeria to reach double digits. Ude top-scored for her side, scoring 19 while Lucky scored 18.

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For New Zealand, Anika Tauwhare was the pick of the bowlers, taking 1 wicket for just 6 runs in 3 overs. After the bowlers managed to restrict Nigeria to a modest total, the onus was on the New Zealand batters to take their team over the line.

However, the batters failed to capitalize on the bowlers' fine performance as New Zealand eventually lost the game by 2 runs. They finished their innings on 63/6. New Zealand lost both of their openers inside three overs before Eve Wolland (14) and Anika Todd (19) steadied the ship. Captain Tash Wakelin also played a crucial 18-run knock.

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In the final over, New Zealand needed 9 runs to win with 5 wickets in hand. However, Ude came up with a fine bowling display to power her team to a famous win.