In a true David vs Goliath moment, Nigeria pulled off one of the biggest upsets in cricket history by beating New Zealand by two runs in the Borneo Cricket Ground in Kuching on Monday (January 20) in the ongoing 2025 ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia.

The Nigeran Women's U19 Cricket Team continued their historic run after becoming the first team across genders and age divisions to qualify for an International Cricket Council (ICC) event. After their opening game against Samoa was washed out, the battle against the White Ferns was their first completed match in the mega event.

In a rain-effected clash which was reduced to a 13-over game, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first in a decision that backfired. The Women in Green and Yellow put up a score of 65 on the board with skipper Lucky Piety (19) top-scoring. Liilian Udeh made 18 runs in 22 balls and was the only other player to score in double digits.

In reply, the match proved to be a last-ball classic with the African nation sealing victory in thrilling fashion. New Zealand needed nine runs to win in the final over but Nigeran captain Piety kept her cool and bowled a stunning over. She conceded just four runs in the first five balls. Needing 5 to win on the last ball, the Kiwi batter ran two runs before Tash Wakelin was run-out.

Peity bowled two overs and remained wicketless but gave away just 13 runs. Usen Peace, Adeshola Adekunle, and Udeh took one wicket each.

This is New Zealand's second consecutive defeat in the tournament after losing their opening clash to South Africa by 22 runs. They are on the verge of elimination and will need a big victory over Samoa in their final match on Wednesday (January 22).

Nigeria could seal a place in the knockout stages in Super Six when they face South Africa in their final match.

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