Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the YellowGreens, secured their second consecutive victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C with a commanding nine-wicket win over Zambia in Abuja on Wednesday.

The victory at the NCF Oval 1 saw Nigeria chase down Zambia’s target of 143 runs, finishing on 146 for one in 14.5 overs to win with 31 balls to spare.

The match also featured a significant milestone for Selim Salau, who surpassed 1,000 career T20 International runs for Nigeria following his half-century against Zambia.

According to a report by the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), signed by its Media Manager, Zeal Ibe, Isaac Danladi led Nigeria’s successful chase with an unbeaten 90 off 47 balls to earn the Player of the Match award.

Zambia, who won the toss and elected to bat, posted 142 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, with Ismail Kara leading their batting effort.

Kara scored 82 off 44 deliveries, hitting six fours and seven sixes in an innings that provided the bulk of Zambia’s runs.

However, Nigeria’s bowlers restricted the visitors to a total the hosts could comfortably pursue, with Abdullahi Ismail delivering an outstanding performance of three wickets for nine runs in four overs.

Nigeria’s chase was built around an opening partnership of 125 runs between Danladi and Salau, putting the hosts firmly in control of the contest.

Danladi’s aggressive innings featured three fours and nine sixes, while Salau contributed 50 off 39 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

Salau was run out in the 14th over, but Ali Rahmon joined Danladi at the crease as Nigeria completed the chase without further loss.

Beyond the victory, Salau’s half-century extended his career tally to 1,063 T20I runs for Nigeria, marking another milestone in his international career.

The batter had reached the 1,000-run mark during Nigeria’s opening match against The Gambia on Tuesday, October 20, when he scored an unbeaten 105 off 58 deliveries.

His century helped Nigeria post 262 for one before the YellowGreens bowled out The Gambia’s challenge to secure a 160-run victory.

Salau’s century against The Gambia and half-century against Zambia have provided Nigeria with important contributions at the top of the batting order as the team pursues qualification for the next stage of the tournament.

The two consecutive victories give Nigeria an encouraging start to the competition, with the team demonstrating strength in both batting and bowling.

The YellowGreens are seeking to qualify for the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, where the top two teams from the sub-regional competition will advance.

The Africa Regional Final represents the next stage in the qualification pathway for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028.

Nigeria will aim to maintain their winning momentum in their remaining fixtures as the competition continues in Abuja.

Match Summary

Zambia: 142/9 in 20 overs

Nigeria: 146/1 in 14.5 overs

Result: Nigeria won by nine wickets, with 31 balls remaining.

Player of the Match: Isaac Danladi — 90 not out off 47 balls.

Selim Salau: 50 off 39 balls; career T20I tally reaches 1,063 runs.

Best Bowling: Abdullahi Ismail — 3 wickets for 9 runs in four overs.