Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the YellowGreens, defeated Uganda by one run in a thrilling encounter to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Nigeria scored 148 runs in 19.4 overs before restricting Uganda to 147 for nine in 20 overs at the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Oval 1 on Sunday.

Isaac Danladi led Nigeria’s batting effort with 47 runs off 28 balls, including three fours and four sixes, while Ali Rahmon contributed 35 runs off 23 balls.

Selim Salau added 30 runs off 24 balls as Nigeria recovered from the loss of early wickets to post a competitive total.

Uganda’s Joseph Baguma was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 21 runs in four overs to limit Nigeria’s scoring opportunities.

In response, Uganda’s Riazat Ali Shah scored 60 runs off 36 balls, including three fours and five sixes, to keep his team in contention.

Olipa Gerald contributed 18 runs off 22 balls, while Alpesh Ramjani added 20 runs off 18 balls as Uganda mounted a determined chase.

Nigeria’s Isaac Okpe claimed two wickets for 18 runs in four overs, while Sylvester Okpe also took two wickets to strengthen the hosts’ bowling effort.

Abdullahi Ismail also took two wickets for 30 runs, while captain Chima Akachukwu claimed one wicket as Nigeria held their nerve to secure the narrow victory.

This is will be Nigeria’s first win over the East Africans in 14 meetings.

 The result handed Nigeria another important win in the six-team tournament, following victories over The Gambia, Zambia, Mozambique and Lesotho.

Nigeria and Uganda have advanced to the Africa regional final in 2027 after finishing as top two teams in the tournament.

The tournament, which has come to an end, also had Lesotho, the Gambia, Mozambique and Zambia participating. 

(NAN)