Cricket: Nigeria beat Rwanda to boost qualification hopes

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Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens strengthened their chances of returning to Division One after defeating hosts Rwanda by seven wickets in Kigali.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup pathway qualifier match was played at the Gahanga Main Oval, Kigali.

Nigeria dismissed Rwanda for 79 runs in 23.1 overs before reaching 84 for three in 15.2 overs.

The victory keeps the Junior YellowGreens firmly in contention, with two matches remaining in the qualification campaign.

Nigeria’s bowlers dominated from the outset, preventing Rwanda from building any meaningful partnerships throughout their innings.

Emmanuel Oladejo spearheaded the attack with figures of 3/9 from five overs, including two maiden overs.

Abdullahi Ismail claimed 3/19 from seven overs, while Keneth Boniface returned figures of 3/22 from six overs, including two maidens.

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Rwanda struggled against Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack and were dismissed for 79 after regular breakthroughs.

Captain Ali Rahmon praised the bowling effort but said the team could still improve.

“We did a very good job restricting them to 80 runs all out, but I feel we should have done a bit better.

“We bowled a lot of extras in the first 10 overs. Maybe 60 or 50 runs would have been good,” he said.

Chasing 80 for victory, Nigeria made a confident start through Rahmon and Hossana Omonkhobhio.

The pair shared 46 runs for the first wicket, laying a solid platform for the successful chase.

Rahmon scored 24 from 38 balls with three boundaries, while Omonkhobhio made 18 from 19 deliveries.

Omonkhobhio’s innings included three fours and a six before the opening partnership ended in the ninth over.

With the foundation established, Nigeria maintained control of the chase despite losing wickets.

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Peculiar Egemasi contributed an unbeaten 19 from 20 balls to keep the scoreboard moving.

Boniface completed an outstanding all-round display with an unbeaten seven from five deliveries, including a six.

His late boundary sealed a victory for Nigeria with more than 34 overs remaining.

Boniface was named Player of the Match after claiming three wickets and helping finish the chase.

Reflecting on the victory, Boniface highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication.

He said, “If they are down, mostly the pressure will be up, so talk to them.

“Whether we miss or any bad thing, we have to talk to them and encourage them. That’s the main thing.”

After three matches, Nigeria occupy third place on the standings with four points.

The Junior YellowGreens also have a healthy net run rate of 1.531 as the qualification race intensifies.

Nigeria will next face Mozambique U19 and Sierra Leone U19 in their remaining fixtures.

The victory over Rwanda provides valuable momentum as the team pursues a return to Division One. (NAN)