Cricket: Nigeria stun Uganda to win Africa W’Cup Qualifier C

Nigeria produced a remarkable late recovery to edge Uganda by one run in a frenetic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C encounter at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1, Abuja, on Sunday.

The hosts, who had never beaten Uganda in their previous 13 T20I meetings, finally ended that long-standing losing run with a nerve-shredding victory.

The result also completed Nigeria’s perfect five-match campaign in the qualifier, claiming the Africa Sub-Regional C title, having also qualified for the last round of the qualifying series scheduled for next year.

Nigeria, batting first after winning the toss, were bowled out for 148 in 19.4 overs, with Isaac Danladi leading the charge with a brisk 47 off 28 balls, including three fours and four sixes.

Selim Salau contributed 30 off 24 balls, while Ali Rahmon added a valuable 35 off 23. But Nigeria lost wickets regularly after a promising start, with Uganda’s Joseph Baguma claiming four wickets for 21 runs.

Nigeria appeared to be losing momentum after reaching 129 for six, before their lower order squeezed out crucial runs to take the total to 148 runs.

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Uganda’s chase initially looked under control.

Riazat Ali Shah, who had tormented Nigeria in previous meetings, once again threatened to settle the contest, smashing 60 off 36 balls with three fours and five sixes. He shared a 78-run partnership with Olipa Gerald, who made 18, to put Uganda in a strong position.

Nigeria, however, fought back through their bowlers.

Sylvester Okpe dismissed both Riazat and Gerald, while Isaac Okpe claimed two wickets, including Alpesh Ramjani for 20. Uganda slipped from 108 for four to 117 for six before rebuilding through Ramjani and Cyrus Kakuru.

By the end of the 19th over, Uganda were 143 for seven and needed only six runs from the final over, with the hosts seemingly staring at defeat.

Vincent Adewoye conceded only four runs from the first five deliveries of the final over, while Cyrus Kakuru ran out for 11. Uganda then needed two runs from the last ball to force a tie, but Juma Miyagi was run out after completing one run, leaving Uganda stranded on 147 for nine as Nigeria held their nerve to secure arguably their most significant victory of the qualifier.