Idia Royals reign supreme again with dominant South-South Cricket League title defence
Idia Royals Cricket Club underlined their dominance in women’s cricket by successfully defending their South-South Female Cricket League title, finishing off a commanding campaign with a resounding victory in the Super 4 playoffs.
Their path to glory was emphatic. In the semi-finals, Idia Royals brushed aside Pathfinders Cricket Club with a convincing 51-run win, while Delta Force edged Smashers Cricket Club by a solitary wicket in a nail-biting contest to book their place in the final.
But the title decider at the Iyoba Cricket Pitch proved a one-sided affair.
After winning the toss, Idia Royals opted to bat, and made the decision count. Powered by a lineup rich in national team experience, they posted a formidable 141 for four in their allotted 20 overs. At the heart of the innings was Lucky Piety, whose composed and clinical unbeaten 58 off 39 balls anchored the Royals’ charge and set the tone for what followed.
Delta Force, chasing a daunting target, never found their footing.
They crumbled under the weight of a disciplined and relentless bowling display, managing just 58 for eight in 16.5 overs. Peace Usen, Favour Eseigbe, and Oseyande Omonkhobho led the charge with two wickets apiece, while Piety Shola Adekunle added one to complete the rout.
The triumph not only secured back-to-back titles for Idia Royals but also reflected their all-round superiority throughout the tournament.
Individual honours further highlighted their dominance. Favour Eseigbe was named Most Valuable Player for her consistent all-round brilliance, while Lucky Piety’s match-winning knock earned her the Best Batter award.
Elsewhere, Smashers Cricket Club’s Faith Okpara claimed the Best Bowler prize despite her side’s semi-final exit, with teammate Goodnews Obot recognised as Best Fielder. Kehinde Amusa of UNIPORT Pathfinders was awarded Best Behaved Player, while Idia Royals’ rising talent Omonye Aiwone picked up the Young Promising Player accolade.
Backed by the Chairman of the Edo State Cricket Association and NCF President, Uyi Akpata, the South-South Female Cricket League launched in 2021 as Nigeria’s first women’s cricket league, continues to grow in stature, with Idia Royals firmly established as the team to beat.
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