NCF Women's T20i: Rwanda Defeat Nigeria Despite Salome's Tremendous Effort

NCF Women's T20i: Rwanda Defeat Nigeria Despite Salome's Tremendous Effort 

Akanimo Kufre 

Nigeria's Female cricket team on Saturday lost to Rwandan females by 39 runs thus staining their impressive run at the 3rd edition of the NCF-organised International cricket competition hosted in Lagos. 

Rwanda won the toss and chose to bat first as the graceful Nigerian arch-rivals took their tally to 100 runs in 19.4 overs. Rwanda however lost 7 wickets thanks to Nigeria's determined bowlers including Shola Adekunle who took 3 of the opponent's wickets. 

In the second inning, Nigerian girls had to chase 101 runs target to win but were drawn backward by the strategic bowlers and fielders of Rwanda, especially Margueritte Vumiliya. 

Nigerian first pair of batters were dismissed under 25 minutes until Salome Sunday came in to display her quality batting skill. The Akwa Ibom-born cricket player increased the Nigerian tally with 29 runs off 37 balls before her painful dismissal. Piety Lucky, another Nigerian brave batter came in a little too late for the rescue as she managed to play 6 runs off 8 balls but her partners could not withstand the Rwandan tricky bowlers. The pressure was higher and Nigeria was on the receiving end with four Nigerian batters dismissed without scoring any points- a duck situation in cricket. 

As the rivalry continues, Rwandan bowlers tightened the pressure screw and restricted the Nigerian team to a paltry 61 runs and all out in 16.4 overs. Margueritte who dismissed Salome Sunday and two other Nigerian batters won the Player of the Match award. 

Rwanda and Nigerian teams as table toppers with 8 points and 6 points respectively will play the finals on Sunday at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval by 1:30 pm. Sierra Leone and Cameroon will face each other for the 3rd place match earlier on Sunday.

Tomorrow's cricket finals will be the 3rd time Nigeria and Rwanda clash and twice Nigeria was beaten. The NCF Public Relations Officer,  Mr. Bodie Musa is optimistic about Nigeria's victory. 

"In the last edition, Nigeria defeated Rwanda in the group stage but lost at the finals. The reverse can be the case, Rwanda won today's group game and could be beaten by Nigeria tomorrow and they will be even. There is room for improvement by the Nigerian girls and you can not underestimate the Rwandan team because there is a very good side with the psychological advantage."