NIGERIA head coach Steve Mangongo has credited 16-year-old Abdullahi Ismail with deciding the course of Wednesday’s nine-wicket win over Zambia at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier C in Abuja.
Ismail, aged 16 years and 73 days, took three wickets for nine runs from four overs as Zambia were restricted to 142/9 at NCF Oval 1.
“Our Naija express at 16 years, Abdullahi Ismail was massive in deciding who controlled the game with figures of 4 overs for misery 9 runs. He stepped up significantly,” Mangongo told Cricket Africa.
“Abdullahi Ismail has massive potentials, his role is to peg batters down and he did his role well today.”
“And he bowls with maturity of 26 year old..”
Ismail bowled opener Vasimakram Chand in the second over. He later dismissed Ismail Kara, caught by Kenneth Boniface for 82 off 44 balls, and Robert Lungu, caught by Isaac Danladi.
Mangongo acknowledged Kara’s innings, which included six fours and seven sixes.
“Kara I must admit he batted well for Zambia,” he said.
Zambia were 122/5 when Kara was dismissed in the 16th over. They added 20 runs from the last five overs.
“I must commend the all round resilience of our bowling attack by putting breaks on Zambia charge on last 5 overs which went 20 runs,” Mangongo said.
After The Gambia match, Mangongo had said Nigeria needed to raise their bowling standards against Zambia’s batters.
Openers Selim Salau and Isaac Danladi put on 125 to set up the chase, following their stand of 197 against The Gambia. Danladi finished unbeaten on 90 off 47 balls and was named Player of the Match.
“Our 2 siamese twins, are doing a great job setting us up,” Mangongo added.
Nigeria, who have won both their matches, play Mozambique on Friday on NCF Oval 1.
“We looking forward to clash with Mozambique with the same batting ruthlessness of controlled batting,” Mangongo said.
