The Nigerian and South African cricket teams have held their own by their respective standards and continue to make the African continent proud.
By Tuka Letura
The ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup is a biennial cricket tournament that provides a platform for young female cricketers from around the world to showcase their talent on the international stage.
Following the success of its inaugural edition in South Africa, the second edition of the tournament is being hosted by Malaysia in 2025.
Scheduled and announced by the International Cricket Council in August last year, the event features both emerging and established cricketing nations.
This year’s tournament features South Africa, hosts of the previous edition, and Nigeria, who are making their debut as Africa’s representatives. Both teams have been drawn together in Group C, alongside New Zealand and Samoa.
The tournament, which commenced on 18 January 2025, faced an early disruption when Nigeria’s opening match against Samoa at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak was abandoned due to rain. With no toss or play possible, the match was called off under the supervision of the two on-field umpires.
Nigeria’s U19 women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, made history in their second match with a thrilling two-run victory over New Zealand, securing Nigeria’s first-ever win at a Cricket World Cup.
In a 13-over contest, Nigeria batted first and posted 65-6, with Lilian Udeh (19) and captain Lucky Piety (18) the only players to reach double figures. In response, New Zealand fell short at 57-5, as Udeh delivered a tight final over to seal the upset.

This win was a landmark achievement for Nigeria, marking not only their first victory in the competition but also making them the first West African nation to qualify for a global cricket tournament and defeat an ICC full member in a Group C match.
South Africa made an impressive start to the tournament, delivering dominant performances in their opening matches. In their first game against New Zealand on 18 January 2025, rain reduced the contest to 11 overs per side.
South Africa posted 91/7, thanks largely to Jemma Botha’s outstanding 32 off 24 balls. Ayaan Lambat’s impressive bowling figures of 3/6 then restricted New Zealand to 69/5, securing a 22-run victory for South Africa. Botha was deservedly named Player of the Match.
In their second match on 20 January 2025, South Africa beat Samoa. Captain Kayla Reyneke’s decision to bowl first paid off immediately as Nthabiseng Nini dismissed Samoa’s Norah Salima with the first ball.
Nini delivered a sensational spell, taking 3/4 in two overs, earning Player of the Match honours. Samoa collapsed to 16 all out, with contributions from Fay Cowling (2/4), Seshnie Naidu (2/0), and Reyneke (2/5). South Africa chased the target in just 10 balls, with openers Simone Lourens (6*) and Jemma Botha (6*) sealing a 10-wicket win.
These victories set South Africa up for their final group game against Nigeria, as they sought to maintain their unbeaten record.
Speaking anonymously to Afrocritik ahead of the game against South Africa, a member of the Nigerian contingent expressed confidence in the team’s ambitions:
“We’re a solid group, and we have a coach, Sarah Bhakita, who fully supports us and the country. The belief within the camp is that we can reach the semi-finals and ensure we leave Malaysia with a lasting impression.
Our goal is to be remembered, not just by Nigeria but by the cricket world at large. While we acknowledge our opponents’ stronger cricket history, we are not intimidated. This game also carries more significance due to the relationship between our two countries”.
South Africa U19 Women cruised into the Super Six stage of the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup with a commanding 41-run victory over Nigeria U19 Women in their final Group C match in Malaysia. The game, reduced to eight overs per side due to rain, saw South Africa exhibit their class and composure, ensuring they finished the group stage unbeaten.

Batting first, the Junior Proteas managed 49 runs, with Simone Lourens anchoring the innings with a vital 25 off 29 balls. Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 65, Nigeria were outclassed by a disciplined South African bowling unit. The Junior Female Yellow Greens were restricted to 24/8, unable to counter the tournament favourites’ relentless attack.
Despite the loss, Nigeria’s spirited performance in the group stage earned them second place in Group C, securing their spot in the Super Six.
South Africa’s dominance positions them as strong contenders for the title, with matches against the USA and Ireland awaiting in the Super Six, as they look to progress into the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Nigeria faces England on 25 January at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, followed by a clash against Ireland on 29 January, in their Super Six fixtures.
So far, the Nigerian and South African cricket teams have held their own by their respective standards and continue to make the African continent proud.
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over five years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.