Nigeria bounced back in style at the ongoing NCF Women’s T20I Invitational Tournament yesterday, defeating South Africa to secure a place in the semifinals.

The victory came after a disappointing loss to Rwanda on Tuesday at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval, Lagos—a result that had dampened hopes of retaining the title.

However, the Nigerian side responded emphatically, producing a composed and determined performance to overcome the highly rated South Africa Women’s U-19 team in the tournament, also known as the Patricia Kambarami Cup.

With both teams having suffered earlier defeats, the encounter was crucial for restoring confidence and momentum.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat but got off to a disastrous start. Ashley Bernard was dismissed off the final ball of the first over without scoring, while Jeze Campher followed shortly after, managing just one run.

After four overs, South Africa had scored only two runs for the loss of two wickets. By the end of the six-over powerplay, they were struggling at 18 runs for three wickets.

Captain Mieke van Voorst steadied the innings, playing a crucial knock to revive her side. Her 69 runs off 47 balls anchored South Africa’s recovery, helping them post a competitive total of 133 for six in 20 overs. Siphokuhle Masilela added 20 runs off 15 balls, while Jae Leigh Filander contributed 16 runs.

Nigeria’s chase started cautiously, with openers Amusa Kehinde and Christabel Chukuonye adopting a conservative approach. Amusa was dismissed in the fourth over for nine runs, leaving Nigeria at 13.

The innings progressed steadily, with Nigeria reaching 47 for one midway through. Chukuonye scored 26 runs off 43 balls before retiring out, while Eguakun Omosigho made 18 runs.

With pressure mounting, captain Lucky Piety delivered a match-winning performance, scoring a brilliant 66 runs off 35 balls, including a remarkable 24-run over, to force the game into a Super Over.

In the Super Over, Nigeria posted 10 runs and successfully restricted South Africa to nine, sealing a thrilling victory in what was arguably the most exciting match of the tournament so far.

Piety’s outstanding display earned her the Player of the Match award.

In the second game of the day, Zimbabwe’s U-19 side recorded a dominant 180-run victory over Ghana, setting a new tournament record with a total of 226 runs.

Zimbabwe, who won the toss and chose to bat, got off to a flying start through Nicollete Nyika and Beloved Biza. Nyika scored 20 runs off 12 balls before departing, while Biza went on to deliver a sensational unbeaten 102 off 52 balls.

She was well supported by Lorraine Pemhiwa, who also remained not out on 60 runs off 32 balls.

In response, Ghana struggled throughout their innings and were bowled out for just 45 runs in 18.3 overs.

Salem Museka led Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with four wickets for eight runs, while Biza capped her all-round performance with three wickets for 10 runs.

Biza was named Player of the Match for her exceptional contribution.

The teams will observe a rest day today before the semifinals resume tomorrow.