Lucky Piety became the center of attention after leading Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens to a stunning victory over the 2023 semi-finalists New Zealand by two runs in their first-ever World Cup match at the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
This win places Nigeria among the debutant teams that have claimed their first-ever victory at the ICC World Cup.
On the same thrilling day, Monday, January 20, 2025, at Sarawak Park in Malaysia, the USA also celebrated its first-ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup victory.
In a press statement released by the ICC, Nigeria defeated New Zealand by two runs, while the USA triumphed over Ireland by nine wickets. Additionally, Australia avenged their previous defeat to Bangladesh with a tense final-over win, marking their second tournament victory.
Nigeria’s victory was the first major upset of the tournament. After their initial match against Samoa was washed out due to heavy rain, Nigeria finally took to the field in Sarawak for a reduced 13-over match.
Captain Piety, who was named player of the match, led the charge by hitting Nigeria’s first World Cup six. Despite New Zealand’s efforts to regain control, reducing Nigeria to 28 for three after the powerplay, Lilian Ude top-scored with 19 runs. A crucial four off the final ball by Omosigho Eguakun set New Zealand a target of 66 runs to win.
The Junior Yellow Greens made an immediate impact, taking their first World Cup wicket with the first ball as Kate Irwin was run out without facing a delivery.
Emma McLeod, her opening partner, was dismissed for three. Eve Wolland and Anika Todd tried to stabilize New Zealand’s innings, but their dismissals reignited Nigeria’s hopes. Ude bowled a perfect final over, conceding only six runs and securing a run out on the final ball, leading Nigeria to a historic win.
Similarly, the USA made history with their victory over Ireland. Isani Vaghela took three wickets, and Disha Dhingra scored 46 runs, leading the USA to an impressive nine-wicket win in Johor. Alice Walsh scored 15 of Ireland’s first 16 runs before being bowled by Aditi Chudasama. Vaghela’s three wickets for 10 runs dismantled Ireland’s middle order, leaving them at 59 for seven in the 14th over. Ireland was eventually all out for 74, and the USA chased down the target with ease.
Dhingra’s 46 from 33 balls, including seven boundaries, set the stage for a 75-run opening partnership with Chetna Reddy Pagydyala. Vaghela sealed the victory with a first-ball four, completing the chase inside 10 overs.
Australia also secured a narrow two-wicket win over Bangladesh in a tense match.
After being put into bat, Bangladesh struggled, slipping to 18 for three in the fourth over due to Eleanor Larosa’s two wickets. Afia Ashima Era anchored Bangladesh’s innings, scoring 29 runs with three boundaries, helping them post a total of 91 for nine. In their chase, Australia faced early setbacks but managed to recover with regular boundaries from Lucy Hamilton.
Despite losing five wickets for 17 runs, nerves of steel from Ella Briscoe and Tegan Williamson saw Australia home with four balls to spare.