World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria more determined for ticket after thrashing Malawi

 World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria more determined for ticket after thrashing Malawi 

Akanimo Kufre 

The Nigeria Men's Cricket team on Friday recorded an emphatic victory over Malawi as the team looks motivated to grap an African ticket for the cricket World Cup to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026.

In Nigeria's opening game at Takashinga, Harare, Nigeria's captain Isaac Okpe intelligently chooses fielding first as his team mates went on to deliver a superb fielding performance that restricted Malawi scores to 88 runs all out in 19.3 overs.

Ridwan Kareem, Emmanuel Udekwe, and Prosper Useni took wickets with fierce bowling attacks. Kareem dismissed 3 opponents to destabilize Malawi attempt to make a possible minimum of 120 runs.

The second inning presented an opportunity where Nigeria's squad gave an outstanding batting performance, reaching 92 run in 11.3 overs with loss of a wicket. The Nigerian boys batting brilliance delighted Coach Steve Tikolo and Nigeria Cricket followers. 

Sulaiman Runsewe played 51 runs off 44 balls as Selim Salau and Sesan Adedeji added 26 and 12 runs, respectively, for a tally that easily upset Malawi's target. Ridwan Kareem was awarded Player of the Match as Nigeria won by 9 wickets to send strong signals to Group A counterparts, Namibia and Kenya. 

The Group B teams in contest for African ticket include host Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Botswana. Two top finishers from the eight countries will grab the ticket to join the 2026 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

The younger Okpe who leads Nigeria's campaign was very very proud of his teammate focus and performances, saying, "We made great catches because we have practiced enough. We are here for a reason and not just to add numbers. We are here for the ticket, so every chance we get, we try to grab it."