Nigeria’s Junior Yellow Greens produced a dominant performance on Thursday, defeating Mozambique by 407 runs in their fourth match of the ongoing International Cricket Council, ICC, U-19 World Cup qualifier in Kigali, Rwanda.
It was reported that Nigeria won the toss and elected to bat at the IPRC Kigali College Oval, where the team recorded its strongest batting display of the tournament.
Captain Rahmon Ali and opening partner Hossana Omonkhobio gave Nigeria a solid start, putting the team in a strong position before Ali was dismissed in the 15th over. Ali scored 41 runs from 46 balls, with Nigeria reaching 89 runs at the time of his dismissal.
Keneth Boniface then joined the effort and contributed 17 runs before he was caught by Mozambique’s Quelido Anselmo in the 18th over.
Boniface had been in impressive form in Nigeria’s previous match against Uganda, where he scored 97 runs, but he was unable to produce another major innings against Mozambique.
Nigeria continued to pile on the runs as Peculiar Egemasi came to the crease and formed a productive partnership with Omonkhobio.
Egemasi delivered an impressive innings, scoring 123 runs from 84 balls, while Omonkhobio also made a significant contribution with 84 runs from 73 balls.
Also Read: NCF intensifies U-19 World Cup preparations
The highlight of Nigeria’s innings came from Bright Nyong, who produced a spectacular batting performance to remain unbeaten on 137 runs from just 53 balls.
Nyong’s explosive innings helped Nigeria finish on 461 runs for six wickets after 50 overs, giving the Junior Yellow Greens a commanding total to defend.
Mozambique, however, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s bowling attack when they began their chase.
The Nigerian bowlers quickly put pressure on the Mozambican batting lineup, restricting them to just 54 runs in 23 overs before dismissing the entire team.
Only two Mozambique players managed to score in double figures. Rodrigues Mangue top-scored with 19 runs from 13 balls, while Emerson Ndzeute contributed 11 runs from 16 balls.
Mozambique’s inability to build partnerships meant that they fell far short of Nigeria’s massive target, handing the Junior Yellow Greens a comprehensive 407-run victory.
The result marks another impressive display from Nigeria in the qualifying tournament, with the team combining an outstanding batting performance with a disciplined bowling effort.
Nyong’s unbeaten century was particularly significant as Nigeria posted 461 runs, while Egemasi and Omonkhobio also played key roles in building the team’s huge total.
The Junior Yellow Greens will now look to maintain their momentum as they continue their campaign in the U-19 World Cup qualifier in Rwanda.
NAN
