By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Isaac Danladi smashed an unbeaten 90 while Selim Salau continued his impressive form as Nigeria’s YellowGreens secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over Zambia at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria chased down Zambia’s target of 143, finishing on 146 for one in just 14.5 overs at the NCF Oval 1 on Wednesday to record their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
Zambia, who won the toss and elected to bat, posted 142 for nine in 20 overs, with Ismail Kara leading their resistance with 82 off 44 balls, including six fours and seven sixes.
However, Nigeria’s bowlers kept the visitors in check, with Abdullahi Ismail delivering a superb spell of three wickets for nine runs in four overs.
The YellowGreens then took control of the chase through a commanding 125-run opening partnership between Danladi and Salau.
Danladi was in devastating form, striking nine sixes and three fours in his unbeaten 47-ball 90 to guide Nigeria towards victory and earn the Player of the Match award.
Salau contributed 50 off 39 deliveries, including four fours and two sixes, before being run out in the 14th over. Ali Rahmon joined Danladi to complete the chase comfortably, with Nigeria sealing victory with 31 balls to spare.
Beyond the emphatic team performance, the match also highlighted a significant milestone for Salau, who surpassed 1,000 career T20 International runs for Nigeria.
The batter reached the landmark during Nigeria’s opening match against The Gambia on Tuesday, scoring an unbeaten 105 off 58 balls as the YellowGreens posted 262 for one and secured a record 160-run victory.
His half-century against Zambia took his career tally to 1,063 T20I runs for Nigeria, underlining his importance to the team’s batting line-up.
The back-to-back victories have given Nigeria an encouraging start to their qualification campaign, with both the batting and bowling departments delivering impressive performances on home soil.
The YellowGreens will now look to maintain their momentum in the remaining fixtures as they pursue a place in the Africa Regional Final, where the top two teams will advance in the qualification pathway for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Match Summary
– Zambia: 142/9 (20 overs)
– Nigeria: 146/1 (14.5 overs)
– Result: Nigeria won by nine wickets.
– Player of the Match: Isaac Danladi (90 not out off 47 balls).
– Best Bowling: Abdullahi Ismail (3/9 in four overs).
– Selim Salau: 50 off 39 balls; career tally rises to 1,063 T20I runs.
