The game of cricket
The Nigerian national cricket team‘s quest to win the ICC World T20 Africa Qualifier ‘A’ continued yesterday when the side recorded a convincing 55 runs victory over The Gambian at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos.
Captain Chimezie Onwuzulike’s decision to bat first after winning the toss paid off as Nigeria posted 176 runs for loss of five wickets in 20 overs. Basiru Jaye was the best bowler for the fielding side with two wickets, 16 runs in three overs.
Vice Captain, Ademola Onikoyi, top scored with 74 runs not out off 39 balls with nine fours and two sixes. Chimezie Onwuzulike added 34 runs, Isaac Okpe put in 21 runs not out with lovely three sixes and Opening batsman, Sulaimon Runsewe dropped 18 runs.
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The Nigerian bowlers in the second innings ensured the mountain was too high for Captain Mbye Dumbuya’s team to climb as The Gambia was reduced to 121 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs.
Debutant Daniel Gim claimed two wickets for 16 runs in three overs, while the quartet of Isaac Danladi, Shola Anyia, Seye Olympio and Isaac Okpe all had a wicket each.
Pa Assan Faye led the batting onslaught for his side with 29 runs off 16 balls, Mohammed Manga 24 runs and Andrew Jarju contributed 15 runs.
This victory (Nigeria has won two matches, including the opening victory against Sierra Leone and the defeat of The Gambia) means that qualification for the next stage of the qualifiers is in sight.
The big decider of which team will top the qualifier will come on Tuesday when Nigeria clashes with bitter rivals, Ghana at the same venue.
In the second match of yesterday, Ghana also eased past Sierra Leone to set up the feverish clash with Nigeria.
The ICC World T20 Africa Qualifier “A” will round off on Saturday.
Source: G Sport
