Lilian Ude was named Player of the Match after helping Nigeria defeat Ireland in their second game in the Super Six Group 2, at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Ude Player of the Match on their X handle.
According to the Cricket body, Ude was named the best player for her all-round contribution, including a crucial 12 off 11 with the bat.
Depsite the win, Nigeria missed out on qualification to the semi-finals as they finished third in Group 2 of the Super Six.
In Tuesday’s game, Nigeria posted a tricky total of 94 to win by six runs to overcome Ireland.
Losing key batter Victory Igbinedion in the first over and in the lurch at 18/3 inside five overs, Christabel Chukwuonye (25) led the rebuild with contributions from Omosigho Eguakun (17) and late flurries from Peculiar Agboya and Ude.
Ireland suffered an early setback in their chase, losing a wicket in the first over, but Freya Sargent and Rebecca Lowe steadied the innings, guiding them to 30-2 by the end of the powerplay.
However, regular wickets kept Nigeria in control despite some late resistance from Millie Spence and Kia McCartney.
Nigeria managed to withstand the late scare, bowling out Ireland for 88 to secure a narrow 6-run victory.
Ude was the standout performer with figures of 3/11, while Peace Usen and Anointed Akhigbe chipped in with two wickets each.
By James Agberebi
