By Ijeoma Okigbo
Nigeria’s Isaac Okpe claimed four wickets for three runs to inspire a seven-wicket victory over Mozambique at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja on Friday.
Okpe’s impressive bowling performance helped Nigeria dismiss Mozambique for 93 in 19.4 overs before the hosts chased down the target, scoring 94 for three in 8.3 overs.
Mozambique, who elected to bat after winning the toss, struggled against Nigeria’s bowling attack, with Okpe leading the hosts’ effort to restrict their opponents to a modest total.
Mozambique’s João Hou offered some resistance, scoring 35 runs off 31 balls, including four sixes, but his effort was insufficient to prevent Mozambique from being bowled out.
Nigeria responded aggressively, scoring 72 runs in the powerplay for the loss of one wicket to put the chase firmly under control.
Ali Rahmon top-scored with 41 runs off 24 balls, hitting eight boundaries, while Miracle Akhigbe contributed an unbeaten 20 off 15 balls.
Selim Salau added 21 runs off nine balls, including three fours and a six, as Nigeria reached the target in just 8.3 overs.
Okpe’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his contribution to Nigeria’s campaign in the qualifying tournament.
Nigeria will be looking to maintain their winning run when they face Lesotho on Saturday.
The hosts had earlier also defeated The Gambia by 160 runs and Zambia by nine wickets.
The six-team tournament features Nigeria, Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia, The Gambia and Lesotho, with the top two teams advancing to the Africa regional final in 2027.
The competition forms part of the qualification pathway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028. (NAN)
IHA/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
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