It was all joy for the female yellow greens who faced their fears with optimism as they locked horns for the first time against South Africa on Oval B in the final group A game of the ongoing 13th African Games.
Captain Blessing won toss and believed they can restrict the women proteas but they were all out for 74 in 18.4 overs. Nigeria actually did well in the power play, getting 25-0 after Jané Winster had achieved a maiden over in the 3rd over. Seshnie Naidu opened the gates for the wickets from the 6.3 over, when she dismissed Esther Sandy and was adjudged the player of the match with 4-0-13-4.
The Women Proteas showed class and proved why they are no. 1 in Africa, scoring 78-6 in 14.5 overs, to win by 4 wickets.
Nigeria’s Lillian Udeh (4-0-18-5) shone in the match, getting a brace but was too late to snatch the win from South Africa.
The female yellowgreens qualified alongside South Africa with 3 points due to NRR (0.78) advantage over Tanzania (-1.13) who defeated Namibia in the other group game on Oval A.
Namibia, having beaten South Africa in their opener scored 103-8 in the first innings after winning toss.
They held on to the consistent of Tanzania until the last 2 overs when the latter needed 3 runs to win and a wicket to protect, with 10 balls remaining.
Tanzania’s MH Ushanga secured a 1 wicket win for her side with a boundary 4, getting 107-9 in 18.4 overs.
Saum Mtae walked away with the player of the match accolade with 41-30 batting performance.
South Africa will play runners up in Group B, while Nigeria hold on to see their opponents as well.
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