Joy for Associates at U19 World Cup

It has been a positive week for the associate cohort at the ongoing Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, with three of the representatives picking up wins and advancing out of the group stage, including two defeats of full member opposition.

Nigeria shine against New Zealand

The Golden Girls? The potential of Nigeria’s junior Yellow Greens was known to many in the African associate community, but expectations were still exceeded with a triumphant win over New Zealand.

After their opening match against Samoa was abandoned without a ball bowled, it may have felt that Nigeria’s best chance of a win was washed away. Nevertheless, spirits were high going into their clash against New Zealand.

Nigeria set New Zealand 66 to win, in a match shortened to thirteen overs-a-side, after captain Lucky Piety led with 19. New Zealand stayed in the contest for much of the chase, but after five dismissals, including two run outs, were left with 17 to win with two overs to go. Defending 9, Piety was again the hero, conceding six to give the Yellow Greens a famous two-run win.

The fairytale did not continue, though, as Nigeria were heavily defeated by continental compatriots South Africa in their final group game. It was still enough for the Yellow Greens to advance as second in their group.

Nigeria’s first game of the Super Sixes, against England, was abandoned without a ball bowled. The Yellow Greens still hold a slim chance of the semi-finals, hinging on a win over Ireland in their last game.

USA power through Group B

The USA were grouped with England, Pakistan and Ireland in Johor for Group C. However, no games were completed on the first day of the group, with the USA’s fixture against Pakistan abandoned without a ball bowled, and Ireland failing to complete their fixture against England.

With the group effectively shortened to two games each, USA faced Ireland in a de facto qualifier. The Americans made light work of the contest, with a combined bowling performance limiting the Irish to 75, Isani Vaghela leading with 3/10. Disha Dhingra then led with the bat with 46 off 33, and the USA’s only casualty in a 9-wicket win.

The final group game against England was not as successful, the USA bowled out for 119 and England completed a comfortable chase inside 15 overs. Meanwhile Ireland beat Pakistan. Though ultimately academic, the Americas may feel they missed out another chance to turn-over Pakistan at a global tournament.

The USA progressed to the Super Sixes with two points on the board, though lost to New Zealand in their opening fixture, falling 19 runs short of their target of 98. Officially eliminated, they face an unbeaten South Africa side in their final game.

Scotland squeeze past Nepal

With two associates in Group D, it was guaranteed that one would advance, but with Australia and Bangladesh the competition, it was also highly likely that one would fall. The head-to-head between Nepal and Scotland would prove decisive.

It was ecstasy for Scotland and agony for Nepal, as the junior Wildcats pulled off an improbable heist to win by one wicket.

After Maisie Maceria’s 5/13 bowled Nepal out for 73, the game quickly turned on its head. Tight bowling from the Nepal attack and three run outs reduced Scotland to 48/7 in the 16th over. Things got even more desperate when Pippa Sproul was out for 35, and the Scots were reduced to their final pair two balls later, needing 16 off 18 balls. The Junior Wildcats needed only 10 of them, as boundaries from Kirsty McColl and Gabriella Fontenla iced an improbable chase.

Both sides were defeated by their full member opposition, so Scotland advanced in third whilst Nepal finished fourth. Scotland’s Super Six opener against Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball bowled, quashing any dreams of advancing further. Scotland will play India in their final game.

Placement playoffs

Whilst wins for Nigeria, USA and Scotland were enough to see them through to the second phase, there was no joy for Nepal, Malaysia, or Samoa in the group stages. The trio joined Pakistan in Johor for a pair of placements, with Samoa tackling the full member and Malaysia and Nepal facing the hosts.

Samoa produced their best showing at their final outing, managing 84 in reply to Pakistan’s 136/8. Norah Salima shone with three wickets, as the Polynesians bowed out proudly in their first ever ICC global event.

Meanwhile, Puja Mahato starred as Nepal made light work of Malaysia. Mahato’s 4/9 was key in dismissing the hosts for 45 and then scored 23* off 32 as Nepal won by 7-wickets with 9 overs to spare. Though unable to replicate their Asia Cup successes, the Rhinos depart knowing their potential is high and will return as the hosts of the next edition in 2027.