Nigeria dominates Zimbabwe in Women's Cricket Invitational

The opening day of the fifth edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s Invitational Tournament produced several highlights, including a T20i record for Fanny Uwagushimaninde, while hosts Nigeria made light work of Zimbabwe U-19 at the Tafawa Balewa Square Oval on Friday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

In the opening game between Rwanda and Ghana, Fanny, at 15 years and 223 days, became the youngest and the first woman to score a century on T20I debut, smashing an unbeaten 111 off 65 balls.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the previous record for the highest individual score by a woman on T20I debut was held by Karen Rolton, who scored 96 not out against England in Taunton in 2005, in what was only the second women’s T20i.

The record for the youngest centurion had previously been held by Prosscovia Alako, who was 16 years and 233 days old when she scored 116 against Mali in Kigali in 2019.

Fanny’s innings powered Rwanda to 210 for three, while Ghana could only respond with 88 for eight in their 20 overs, losing the match by 122 runs.

In the second game of the day, Nigeria began their campaign on a commanding note, securing an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe U-19.

Zimbabwe, who won the toss and elected to bat, struggled to build any meaningful momentum as Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack kept them in check throughout the innings.

The standout performer with the ball was Peace Usen, who delivered a match-winning spell of three wickets for 16 runs to dismantle the Zimbabwean middle order. Her accuracy and control ensured regular breakthroughs, preventing any late resistance and earning her the Player of the Match award.

Anointed Akhigbe also claimed three wickets for 16 runs, while Kehinde Amusa picked up one as the Baby Chevrons were bowled out for 80 in 16.5 overs, failing to capitalise on their decision to set a target.

The Female Yellow Greens chased down the modest total with ease, requiring just 11.2 overs to seal victory and underline their early title credentials.

Led by coach Theophilus Ibodeme, Nigeria approached the chase with composure and intent, keeping the scoreboard ticking without taking undue risks. Contributions across the top order ensured there were no major setbacks, although the opening pair of captain Lucky Piety and Victory Igbinedion were contained early by Zimbabwe’s bowlers.

Experienced batter Salome Sunday and Amusa then guided the chase, combining effectively to see Nigeria home as the hosts reached 81 for two in 11.2 overs, completing a dominant performance with plenty of deliveries to spare.

Matches continue on Saturday, with South Africa U-19 facing Ghana in the first game, while Zimbabwe take on Rwanda in the second fixture.

Nigeria’s next game is on Sunday against Ghana.

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