Nigeria’s women’s cricket team, the Female Yellow Greens, defeated their Malawian counterparts by 52 runs in the opening game of the 12th Kwibuka T20 Women’s tournament.
The game played at the Gahanga Cricket Oval in Kigali, Rwanda, saw Malawi won the toss and opted to bowl first. Nigeria posted a total of 98/8 in 20 overs, thanks to a composed innings from Jessica Bieni, who remained unbeaten on 25 runs.
Contributions from Sarah Etim (14), captain Favour Eseigbe (11) and Christabel Chukwuonye (11) helped the Yellow Greens recover from early setbacks and build a defendable total.
Lucky Malino led the onslaught for the Malawian bowlers, claiming four wickets, but Nigeria’s lower-order resilience ensured the team reached a challenging score.
Meanwhile Shola Adekunle starred with the ball in the second innings, amassing three wickets to her credit, while Eseigbe wrapped up proceedings in style with two wickets.
Their efforts ensured they took place off the East Africans as Malawi were bowled out in 10.3 overs with 46 runs on board, as Nigeria won by 52 runs.
Nigeria will play Brazil on Thursday morning before facing Zimbabwe later in the afternoon. The tournament is in commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
