The ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 witnessed a nail-biting contest between New Zealand Women Under-19s and Nigeria Women Under-19s at the Sarawak Cricket Ground. Nigeria emerged victorious by just two runs in a low-scoring thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Nigeria sets a fighting total after losing the toss
After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bowl first, hoping to restrict Nigeria to a modest total. Nigeria posted 65/6 in the rain-shortened 13 overs match. Lucky Piety was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a composed 18 off 22 balls, supported by Lilian Ude’s 19 off 25 deliveries. Late fireworks from Omosigho Eguakun, who struck 9 off just 4 balls, added valuable runs. For New Zealand, Anika Tauwhare (1/6) and Tash Wakelin (1/6) were the pick of the bowlers, delivering economical spells.
New Zealand fails to reach the finish line
Chasing 66, New Zealand’s batting lineup faltered under pressure. Anika Todd anchored the innings with 19 off 27, and Tash Wakelin contributed 18 off 18, but the team fell agonizingly short at 63/6 in their allotted 13 overs. Nigeria’s bowlers, led by Lucky Piety (1/8) and Usen Peace (1/5), maintained tight lines to defend the low total successfully.
The result highlighted Nigeria’s resilience and determination, as they secured a memorable win to leave their mark on the tournament.
Also READ: U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 – Complete squads of all 16 teams
Here are the reactions of fans:
What a fantastic way to start the day!
Nigeria’s U19 women’s team has clinched a historic victory beating New Zealand by 2 runs at the ICC U19 World Cup in Malaysia. The nation’s first ever win at a women’s world cup.
Well done, Yellow Greens 💪 pic.twitter.com/kdIE2hBqT4
— Latifat Adebayo-Ohio (@Phatill) January 20, 2025
History at U19 Women’s T20 WC in Malaysia.
Nigeria W playing their first world cup, defeats the full member NZ side. pic.twitter.com/441cHScA7W
— Ragav 𝕏 (@ragav_x) January 20, 2025
History Alert 🚨
Nigeria 🇳🇬 U19 Women’s Team beat New Zealand 🇳🇿 U19 Women’s Team by 2 Runs in ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/jWX2ZwnsV3
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) January 20, 2025
HISTORY FOR NIGERIA IN CRICKET WORLD CUP.
Nigeria U19 Girls Beat New Zealand 🇳🇿 by 2 runs to record their first ever cricket World Cup Victory.
Nigeria U19 Girls were able to defend their 65 runs in 13 overs from the lost 6 wickets against New Zealand 🇳🇿 who recorded 63… pic.twitter.com/7fPBFqoAP4
— Eve and Star (@Evestarlovee) January 20, 2025
NIGERIA WIN!! 🇳🇬
History is made by Nigeria on their debut in the U19 Women’s World Cup as they beat NZ by 2 runsWhat a game and what incredible fight 🤩#u19worldcup @cricket_nigeria pic.twitter.com/aIytApCnNM
— Georgie Heath🎙️ (@GeorgieHeath27) January 20, 2025
Great news to start the week.
Nigeria beats New Zealand with 2 runs, now top the group at the #ICCU19WWC (ICC U19 Women World Cup)
Congratulations Nigeria.
🇳🇬 🇳🇬🇳🇬✅✅✅💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/uTojx50mnj— Shehu Dikko (@ShehuDikko) January 20, 2025
Nigeria defeated New Zealand by 2 runs in the U-19 T20 world cup 🏏
– A historic win for Nigeria 👏🏏#women #cricket #U19T20WorldCup #NigeriacricketFederation #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/XUtgeFkz2e
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 20, 2025
Nigeria made history & clinched their first ever victory at the ICC U19 World Cup, edging New Zealand by 2 runs!
Naija 🔥🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/EXe6KrlTyE
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) January 20, 2025
Nigeria🇳🇬 beat New Zealand🇳🇿 in cricket 🔥🔥🔥
It happened in real – in the Women’s U19 World Cup now!!
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) January 20, 2025
Woke up to this historic feat.
Nigeria’s Women’s U19 cricket team defeated New Zealand by two runs to earn their first ever win on a global stage.
It is also their debut appearance pic.twitter.com/7jG9h5mJxc
— Andrew Randa⚽️🇳🇬 (@randafooty) January 20, 2025
HISTORY MADE! 🇳🇬🔥
NIGERIA STUNS NEW ZEALAND WITH A THRILLING 2-RUN VICTORY IN THE U-19 WORLD CUP! A MONUMENTAL WIN THAT SHAKES THE CRICKET WORLD! pic.twitter.com/PuWl4hYJgr
— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) January 20, 2025
Cricket is growing to all parts of the world and increasing its popularity.
Nigeria U19 team defeated NZ team by 2 runs.
— अनुज यादव 🇮🇳 (@Hello_anuj) January 20, 2025
