The Yellow-Greens of Nigeria started their campaign in the 3rd NCF women’s T20 invitational tournament at the Tafawa Balewa cricket oval, Lagos with a six wicket win over Sierra Leone.
Defending champion Rwanda also defeated Ghana by 117 runs in a tournament that began on March 27.
Nigeria won the toss and elected to field, sending the Sierra Leonean side to bat first and scoring 69/5 in 19 overs.
Although it looked like an easy chase for Nigeria, but the hosts were put under pressure in the power play, losing four wickets in the process.
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They had to rely on the partnership of Peity Lucky and Agatha Uadiale to see the team to victory after scoring 67 runs for four wickets in 14.1 overs.
Blessing Etim, captain of the Yellow-Greens, praised the team’s efforts.
She also assured that they would improve in subsequent matches.
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“Sierra Leone is always a tough side but I know that we are very capable of facing any opposition here. We are not very satisfied with our efforts today but we would work on our lapses and come stronger in our next game against Cameroon,” Etim said.
Fatumata Parkinson, captain of the Sierra Leone team, said the team was displeased with the number of runs on board but would improve as the tournament progresses.
Nigeria’s Piety won the player of the match prize after scoring 22 runs off 24 balls not out for the side.
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Leke Oyede, coach of the Nigerian team, admitted his team’s weakness but assured on improved outings subsequently.
“There were a few hitches noticed in the opening match but the girls delivered and I believe they would get better,” Oyede said.
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