NIGERIA started their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers campaign by beating Malawi by nine wickets on Friday at Takashinga Sports Club.
Malawi batted first but struggled badly, scoring only 88 runs before they were bowled out in 19.3 overs. Ridwan Abdulkareem was the star for Nigeria, taking three wickets for 24 runs.
He got good backing from Chiemelie Udekwe, who took two wickets for 11, while Prosper Useni and the Okpe brothers also chipped in. Only Suhail Vayani (27) and Daniel Jakiel (18 not out) managed to score some runs for Malawi.
Chasing 89, Nigeria never looked in trouble. Sulaimon Runsewe scored an unbeaten 51 with nine fours, and with help from Selim Salau (26) and Sesan Adedeji (12 not out), Nigeria reached the target in just 11.2 overs.
