Nigeria’s U19 Women’s cricket team has advanced to the Super Six stage of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, despite suffering a 41-run defeat to South Africa, following the Duckworth-Lewis Stern (DLS) method.
The match, played at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, was the final Group C game for both teams, who entered the match with three and four points respectively.
The game was crucial in deciding the group leader, with South Africa ultimately finishing the group stage unbeaten.
Nigeria won the cricket toss and chose to field, initially making a strong start with the ball.
However, they struggled to break the opening partnership of South Africa’s Simone Lourens and Jemma Botha.
It wasn’t until Nigeria’s captain, Piety Lucky, introduced herself into the attack that Lourens was dismissed.
Shortly after, rain interrupted the game, forcing the ICC cricket match officials to reduce the match to eight overs per side.
Using the DLS method, the revised target for Nigeria was set at 66 runs to win, although South Africa had finished their innings on 49/2.
In their chase, Nigeria’s batting performance faltered, with South Africa delivering an exceptional bowling and fielding display to restrict Nigeria to just 24/8 in their allotted 8 overs. South Africa ultimately won by 41 runs.
ALSO READ : Optometrist advises computer users to wear protective gear to prevent eye complications
Despite the loss, Nigeria’s earlier victories in the group stages ensured their progression to the Super Six, where they will face England on Saturday in their opening match.
They will also meet Ireland on Wednesday.
The DLS method, used in this match, is a mathematical formula applied to calculate a revised target score for the team batting second when a limited overs match is interrupted by weather or other unforeseen circumstances.