U19 WC: Historic Victories for USA, Nigeria; Australia Triumphs Over Bangladesh in Thrilling Match

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 20 (NationPress) The third day of the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup marked a remarkable milestone as Nigeria and USA celebrated their inaugural victories in the tournament's history, while Australia triumphed over Bangladesh in a thrilling finish to secure their second win.

The standout highlight of the day belonged to Nigeria, who clinched a two-run victory against New Zealand in Sarawak, marking their first win in their debut at a global women's cricket event.

In a shortened 13-over match, captain Lucky Piety spearheaded the effort, hitting Nigeria’s first World Cup six. However, New Zealand responded fiercely, claiming two wickets, leaving Nigeria at 28/3 after the powerplay.

Lilian Ude emerged as the top scorer with 19 runs, and a boundary off the final ball from Omosigho Eguakun set New Zealand a target of 66 runs. Nigeria made an impressive start with their first World Cup wicket on the initial ball, as Kate Irwin was run out without facing a delivery, followed by the dismissal of her partner Emma McLeod for three runs.

Eve Wolland and Anika Todd made steady progress, but their dismissals revived Nigeria’s hopes. Lilian delivered a superb final over, conceding just six runs and executing a run out on the last ball, leading Nigeria to a historic victory.

In Johor, Isani Vaghela took three wickets, while Disha Dhingra contributed 46 runs, as the USA secured their first World Cup win with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Ireland. Alice Walsh scored 15 of Ireland’s initial 16 runs before being bowled by Aditi Chudasama.

The off-spinner claimed the first and last wickets of the innings, with Isani achieving figures of 3-10, dismantling Ireland’s middle order, which resulted in them being bowled out for 74 runs.

Disha led the USA’s chase with a remarkable 46 runs off 33 balls, hitting seven boundaries before being bowled by Lara McBride, concluding a 75-run opening partnership with Chetna Reddy Pagydyala. A first-ball boundary from Isani sealed a historic victory for the USA within 10 overs.

In Kuala Lumpur, Australia restricted Bangladesh to 91/9, then faced challenges in their chase but ultimately secured a two-wicket win in a tense finish.

After being put into bat, Bangladesh struggled to 18/3 by the fourth over, with Afia Ashima top-scoring at 29 runs off 34 balls, including three boundaries, as they posted 91/9. During their chase, Ines McKeon struck three consecutive boundaries before being run out for 14, having just survived a dropped catch on the same ball.

Australia managed regular boundaries, thanks to captain Lucy Hamilton who scored 30 runs, but lost five wickets for just 17 runs as Jannatul Maoua took three crucial wickets. However, Ella Briscoe (11 not out) and Tegan Williamson (three not out) demonstrated nerves of steel, helping Australia to victory with four balls remaining.

Brief Scores: Nigeria 65/6 (Lilian Ude 19, Piety Lucky 18; Hannah Francis 1-4, Anika Tauwhare 1-6) defeated New Zealand 63/6 (Anika Todd 19, Tash Wakelin 18; Peace Usen 1-5, Piety Lucky 1-8) by two runs.

Ireland 75 all out in 17.4 overs (Alice Walsh 16, Lara McBride 13; Isani Vaghela 3-10, Ritu Singh 2-8) lost to USA 79/1 in 9.4 overs (Disha Dhingra 46, Chetna Reddy Pagydyala 23 not out; Lara McBride 1-9) by nine wickets.

Bangladesh 91/9 (Afia Ashima Era 29, Mst Sumaiya Akther Suborna 13; Tegan Williamson 2-12, Caoimhe Bray 2-18) lost to Australia 92/8 in 19.2 overs (Lucy Hamilton 30, Kate Pelle 16; Jannatul Maoua 3-15, Habiba Islam Pinky 1-12) by two wickets.