With three wins from four matches, Nigeria and Tanzania are joint leaders on six points apiece at the on-going NCF Women’s T20i Invitational Tournament at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos.
The Tanzanians are though leading by Net Run Rate (2.337) after losing only their first of the four games so far to Rwanda by 33-run, and has gone undefeated since then.
Nigeria on the other hand are on same point but with less (0.625) NRR. They are now condemned to win their next two matches to retain the trophy.
Rwanda have amassed four points so far and are lurking to overrun any of the two leading teams that drop point in their next two encounter at the weekend.
Chairman of the Organsising Committee of the event, Chuma Anosike, urged Nigerians to troop out to support the national team as the tournament enters crescendo this weekend.
“This event has become one of the biggest female events in the country, and we are proud of what we have built so far. We are equally glad to see that the Nigeria girls are having a good run so far.
“The momentum this event has given all the teams will help their preparation for the All-Africa Games in Ghana and we are glad all the teams are having good opposition and giving them the needed challenge. This wouldn’t have been possible if not the support of the friends and sponsors of the game of Cricket across the country.”
Today, Friday (March 1st) has been declared rest day for all the teams, while matches will resume on Saturday March 2nd. The last matches would be played on Sunday March 3rd at the TBS Cricket Oval.
Rwanda and Sierra Leone will open the day on Saturday at 10:15am, before Nigeria take on Tanzania later at 2:15pm.
General Manager of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Emeka Igwilo said the weekend games are expected to attract dignitaries across the sporting world including some friends and sponsors of the game.
“We have had a number of interests asking to be part of the weekend games and that is encouraging including sponsors and top dignitaries in the sporting world.
“The Female Yellow-Greens are one of the testaments to a well-curated sports development programme and this event is an avenue to showcase the gains form such project.”
The 5th NCF Women’s t20i Invitational Tournament would be concluded on Sunday March 3rd and the winner would be the team that has garnered the highest point from the stipulated six matches. Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Tanzania are participating in the event.
