Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-05 03:28:55
Tanzania’s women’s cricket team emerged victorious in the fifth NCF Women T20i Invitational Tournament, which concluded at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos over the weekend. The team secured a resounding 92-run win over the Sierra Leonean women’s team in their final match of the tournament, asserting their dominance and clinching the championship title.
Team captain, Neema Pius, expressed her confidence in their preparation for the tournament and noted that despite an initial setback with their loss to Rwanda in their first match, they were determined to perform well in Nigeria. Pius highlighted the importance of the event as a preparation for the upcoming All-Africa Games in Ghana, emphasizing the significance of their victory.
Meanwhile, the defending champions Nigeria had to settle for second place after defeating their fierce rivals Rwanda by 20 runs in the final match of the tournament. The match was crucial for both teams as they vied for the runner-up position, with Nigeria posting a total of 110/8 in their batting innings, led by Lucky Piety’s 28 runs.
The Nigerian women’s bowling attack proved to be decisive in securing their victory, with Christabel Chukwuonye taking three wickets and Peculiar Agboya claiming two wickets to restrict the Rwandan Women’s team to a total of 90 runs in 20 overs. The match showcased a strong display of skill and determination from both teams.
Speaking after the conclusion of the tournament, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Uyi Akpata, acknowledged the competitive nature of this year’s event, with the inclusion of a higher-ranked team adding to the overall quality of the competition. Akpata emphasized the tournament’s role in promoting women’s cricket development, highlighting its significance as a key platform for players to gain valuable experience and form ahead of international competitions such as the African Games.
The NCF president expressed satisfaction with the progress made in promoting women’s cricket through events like the NCF Women T20i Invitational Tournament, which aims to elevate the sport and provide opportunities for female cricketers to showcase their talent on a competitive stage. Akpata commended all the participating teams for their dedication and commitment to the game, emphasizing the importance of such events in nurturing and promoting women’s cricket.
In conclusion, the fifth edition of the NCF Women T20i Invitational Tournament saw Tanzania emerge as the champions, showcasing their skills and resilience throughout the competition. The event served as a platform for teams to hone their abilities and gain valuable experience, contributing to the growth and development of women’s cricket in the region.
