The game of cricket
The first leg of the bilateral international series between Nigeria and Rwanda got off to a glorious start for the country at the weekend at the newly constructed turf pitch in Abuja.
Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF)
President, Professor Yahaya Adam Ukwenya had said in his opening remark that the friendly tie would do a lot in helping both countries grow the game and also strengthen the tie between the two cricket nations.
At game one on Saturday, Nigeria won the toss and elected to field first, sending in Rwanda to bat.
The visitors struggled in the early overs to some decent bowling partnership between Blessing Etim and Samson Rachael.
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Rwanda could not put up a respectable partnership and eventually crumbled to 65 runs all out in 17.3 overs.
In the second innings, Rwanda responded well with the ball, forcing the Nigerian opening pair to a run out in the second over. The hosts struggled to keep a decent partnership, as well with wickets falling easily.
Fyneface Fate came on a rescue mission for Nigeria and two successive boundaries and some power hitting turned the tide in favor of Nigeria
Nigeria eventually chased down the required total, scoring 66 runs for the loss of six wickets in 19.1 over to win by four wickets.
In the second match of the series, Rwanda won the toss and elected to bat first.
There were some considerable improvements from the first game with a working partnership in the first 10 overs as they lost just two wickets.
A more aggressive approach saw them reach a total of 85 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs.
In the second innings, Nigeria lost a wicket in the first over same way, same player to set an early panic into the camp. However, Blessing Etim and Desmond Mary’s partnership gradually steadied the ship for a while, but Rwanda got three wickets in quick succession to leave the game on a balance.
Samantha Agazuma and Fyneface Fate took Nigeria across the finish line with some brilliant bating display to record a total of 86 runs for the loss of five wickets in 18.3 overs.
The bilateral series matchday two resumes today by 9.00 a.m., while Match four has been slated for 1.00 p.m. Yesterday was rest day in the series that would be concluded with two additional matches tomorrow.
The day-one activities also witnessed a coaching clinic for five schools, including Lugbe International Academy, Royal Step Academy, Regina Pascis College, Christ Academy International School and Louisville Girl Secondary School.
The coaching clinic was anchored by the National Development Manager, Joseph Onoja (Northern Region), who was supported by national team coach, Uthe Ogbimi and Regional Development Officer, Peter Yakubu (North central).
