By Hosea Parah
Nigeria defeated Lesotho by seven wickets after Chima Akachukwu claimed four wickets to inspire a dominant bowling performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C.
Akachukwu took four wickets for 14 runs in 3.5 overs as Lesotho were bowled out for 62 in 12.5 overs at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 2 in Abuja on Saturday.
Nigeria’s bowlers dismantled the Lesotho batting line-up, with Elochukwu Ndubudem also taking two wickets for four runs in two overs.
Kenneth Boniface claimed two wickets for 14 runs, while Mohameed Taiwo took one wicket for two runs to further restrict Lesotho’s scoring.
Lesotho captain, Tsepiso Chaoana, top-scored with 26 runs off 18 balls, including three fours and a six, but received little support from his teammates.
In response, Nigeria reached 65 for three in 7.4 overs to secure a seven wicket victory, extending their impressive run in the qualifying tournament.
Ridwan Abdulkareem remained unbeaten on 28 runs off 18 balls, while Miracle Akhigbe contributed an unbeaten 26 off 25 balls to guide Nigeria home.
Nigeria had an early setback, losing three wickets for 12 runs, but Abdulkareem and Akhigbe combined effectively to complete the chase.
The victory was Nigeria’s fourth in the competition, following wins over The Gambia by 160 runs, Zambia by nine wickets and Mozambique by seven wickets.
Nigeria will face Uganda in their final group match on Sunday as they seek to win the title as both teams, on eight points each, have already qualified to the Africa regional final in 2027.
The six-team tournament features Nigeria, Lesotho, Uganda, Zambia, Mozambique, and The Gambia.