Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the YellowGreens, have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2027 after beating Lesotho by seven wickets in Abuja on Saturday.

The win came at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C on October 24 and extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition. It also strengthens their standing as one of the leading contenders in the race for a place at the 2028 T20 World Cup.

Lesotho won the toss and chose to bat, but they struggled against a disciplined Nigerian attack and were bowled out for 62 in 12.5 overs.

Captain Chima Akachukwu led the way with figures of 4-14 in 3.5 overs, including a maiden. Elochukwu Ndubudem took 2-4 in two overs, while Kenneth Boniface claimed 2-14. Mohameed Taiwo also picked up a wicket as Lesotho were kept under pressure throughout.

Tsepiso Chaoana offered the only real resistance for Lesotho, finishing unbeaten on 26 off 18 deliveries.

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Nigeria lost three early wickets in reply but still reached 65-3 in 7.4 overs to win with 74 balls to spare.

Ridwan Abdulkareem anchored the chase with an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls, including three fours and a six. Miracle Akhigbe supported him with an unbeaten 26 off 25 deliveries, which included four boundaries. Their unbroken partnership steadied the innings and took the YellowGreens home comfortably.

Playing at home, Nigeria have made the most of the opportunity with powerful batting, tight bowling and good teamwork throughout the campaign.

With qualification secured, attention now turns to the final group fixture against Uganda on Sunday, October 25. The YellowGreens will aim to keep their unbeaten record and finish the sub-regional campaign on a high.

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Source: Punch · Peter Akinbo

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