Nigeria’s Cricket Team Seeks Redemption Against Zimbabwe After ICC T20 World Cup Setback

After a disappointing nine-wicket loss to Uganda dashed Nigeria’s hopes for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup on Monday, the team aims for redemption as they face Zimbabwe in their penultimate game of the African qualifiers on Wednesday.

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Despite a win and a share of points in their first two games, Nigeria fell short against the higher-ranked Uganda, managing only 99 runs all out in 19.1 overs.

The Cricket Cranes swiftly chased down the target with 100 runs for just one wicket in 17.3 overs. With their World Cup dreams shattered, Nigeria now plays for pride against Zimbabwe at the Wanderers Cricket Ground.

Currently fourth in the table with three points, Nigeria is above Rwanda and Tanzania. Zimbabwe, positioned third with four points from two matches each, still has a chance to secure qualification alongside hosts Namibia.

While the World Cup ticket is now out of reach, the Nigerian team and the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) find solace in the players’ performance during the series in Namibia.

The upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and hosts Namibia offer an opportunity to further boost the team’s ICC rankings.

NCF president, Uyi Akpata, stated, “We would love to pick the World Cup ticket, but that is a bit difficult now given the results of our matches. We are more focused on using this event as a measure of our continual development program for the team.”

Tayo Atoloye, another NCF board member, commended the team’s performance, emphasizing that Nigeria is playing better than its current ranking.

He expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, affirming the justification for the investments made in their development.

As Nigeria faces Zimbabwe in this crucial encounter, the team seeks to end the qualifiers on a positive note and build on the steady improvements showcased throughout the tournament, laying the groundwork for future success in international cricket.

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