Nigeria cruise on opening day of Women's Cricket Invitational
The fifth edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s Invitational Tournament burst into life with record-breaking brilliance and a commanding display from the hosts at the Tafawa Balewa Square Oval on Friday.
Rwanda’s teenage sensation, Fanny Uwagushimaninde, stole the headlines in the opening game, rewriting the record books with a stunning century on T20I debut. At just 15 years and 223 days, she became both the youngest player and the first woman ever to score a hundred on debut in the format, finishing unbeaten on 111 off 65 balls.
Her remarkable innings shattered the long-standing record held by Australia’s Karen Rolton, who made 96 not out against England in 2005. Fanny also eclipsed the previous youngest centurion, Prosscovia Alako, who achieved the feat at 16 years and 233 days in 2019.
Powered by her brilliance, Rwanda posted an imposing 210 for three, leaving Ghana with a mountain to climb. The chase never gained momentum, as Ghana were restricted to 88 for eight in their 20 overs, handing Rwanda a comprehensive 122-run victory.
In the second fixture, hosts Nigeria made an emphatic statement, easing to an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe U-19 to kick off their campaign in style.
Zimbabwe, after opting to bat, found themselves under constant pressure from a disciplined Nigerian bowling unit. Peace Usen led the charge with a superb spell of three for 16, dismantling the middle order and earning Player of the Match honours. She was well supported by Anointed Akhigbe, who matched her figures with three for 16, while Kehinde Amusa chipped in with a wicket as Zimbabwe were bundled out for 80 in 16.5 overs.
Chasing a modest target, the Female Yellow Greens showed composure and control, wrapping up the game in just 11.2 overs. Despite a cautious start that saw captain Lucky Piety and Victory Igbinedion kept quiet early on, experienced batter Salome Sunday and Amusa steadied the innings, guiding Nigeria to 81 for two with minimal fuss.
Under the guidance of coach Theophilus Ibodeme, the hosts displayed both discipline and intent, sending an early warning to their rivals in the tournament.
Action continues on Saturday with South Africa U-19 taking on Ghana, while Zimbabwe face Rwanda. Nigeria will return to the crease on Sunday, where they are set to clash with Ghana as they look to build on their strong start.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
