Super Final beckons as Nigeria set up familiar showdown with Rwanda at Patricia Kambarami Cup
For the third time in the tournament’s history, Nigeria’s Female Yellow Greens will lock horns with Rwanda in the final of the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s T20i Invitational Tournament, the Patricia Kambarami Cup setting the stage for yet another gripping chapter in their growing rivalry.
Nigeria booked their place in Saturday’s finale with a commanding seven-wicket victory over South Africa’s U-19 side, while Rwanda held their nerve in a tense chase to edge Zimbabwe U-19 by five wickets.
In a semi-final clash that quickly tilted in Nigeria’s favour, South Africa opted to bat first after winning the toss but ran straight into a ruthless Nigerian bowling unit. The damage was swift and severe reduced to 16 for five at the end of the power play, the South Africans never recovered.
Lilian Ude led the charge with a clinical spell of three for six in four overs, well supported by Peace Usen’s two for 18. The pressure never relented, and South Africa were eventually bundled out for a modest 66 in 17 overs.
Nigeria’s response was calm and calculated. Despite losing a few wickets along the way, the chase was never in doubt. Captain Piety Lucky provided the finishing touch in emphatic fashion, launching two towering sixes off her first two balls to shut the door on any late resistance. The Female Yellow Greens cruised to 67 for three in just 9.5 overs.
Lucky’s quickfire 18 off eight balls added spark to the innings, while Amusan Kehinde contributed a steady 15. Ude’s all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match honours.
Earlier, Rwanda had been pushed to the limit by Zimbabwe U-19, who posted a competitive 135 for four in their 20 overs. But Rwanda responded with composure and intent, chasing down the target with five wickets in hand and just four balls to spare, finishing on 136 for five.
Now, all eyes turn to a final steeped in history and rivalry. Saturday’s clash will mark the 28th meeting between Nigeria and Rwanda, with the East Africans holding a slender edge 14 wins to Nigeria’s 12, with one tie.
While Rwanda claimed a six-wicket victory in their most recent encounter just days ago, Nigeria will draw confidence from their last final meeting in 2023, where they edged a dramatic contest by nine runs.
With recent memories of a Super Over thriller still lingering, another classic could well be on the cards as two familiar foes prepare to battle once again for supremacy.
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