BY ADEYEMI ROBINSON-ADEFIOYE LAGOS
Nigeria finished off her maiden ICC U19 Cricket World Cup campaign with an historic first win after beating Japan by eight wickets at the IBBIES OVAL.
After bowling out Japan for 115, the Nigerians reached the score with relative ease off 22.4 overs.
With this victory, the WEST AFRICANS will finish 15th on the overall tournament table while Japan, their fellow debutant associate member nation, taking 16th in the standings.
There were many other memorable moments in the fixture played under hot conditions and a slow wicket in Potchefstroom.
Batting first, Japan reached triple figures for the first time, as SHU NOGUCHI (31) and ISHAAN FARTYAL (16) top scored, while also benefiting from 30 extras from the Junior Yellow Green bowling.
IFEANYICHUKWU UBOH of Nigeria celebrates the wicket of Sora Ichiki of Japan during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 15th Place Play-Off match between Nigeria and Japan at Ibbies Oval on February 1, 2020 in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Nigerian seamer and Player of the Match, IFEANYI UBOH, picked up an impressive five for 23 with TAIWO MOHAMEED finishing with two for 13.
In the chase, openers SULAIMON RUNSEWE (56 not out) and ELIJAH OLALEYE (21) ensured that their team had total control as they chased a moderate target.
“As a team, we are excited about getting our first win. I am also happy to have taken my first five-wicket haul at international level. It will motivate me to do better,” said UBOH.
Japan captain MARCUS THURGATE said: “We are disappointed with the results but we have enjoyed our stay in South Africa.
“We go back home with a lot of positives for our game and will come back stronger.”
