On Wednesday the Junior Proteas beat Nigeria by 41 runs according to the DLS method in their last group game, and this victory resulted in them finishing at the top of Group C. 

Nigeria won the toss and invited South Africa to bat first. South Africa batted for just 7.2 overs before the rain forced the players off the field with the score of 41/1.

Simone Lourens and Jemma Botha. Photo: CSA

Following the rain the game was reduced to an 8 over-a-side contest and the Proteas needed to face a further four balls. They managed to add a further 8 runs to their tally with the opening batter Simone Lourens top-scoring with 25.

South Africa scored 49/2 in their reduced 8 overs, and this left Nigeria a target of 66 for the win.

The captain, Lucky Piety, was the only Nigerian bowler to take wickets with 2/12 in her single over.

In reply, Nigeria was restricted to 24/8 in their allotted 8 overs with the leg-spinner, Seshnie Naidu, taking 2/1 in her two overs, while the captain Kayla Reyneke took 2/13.

The seam bowler, Nthabiseng Nini, was once again outstanding with the ball and took 1/2 in her 2 overs upfront.

Piety top-scored for Nigeria with 6 runs before being run out, while Lillian Udeh managed just 5 with the bat.

Reyneke said she backs her team’s ability to adapt to any situation.

Seshnie Naidu. Photo: CSA

“It’s never nice to play reduced overs because you’re waiting to know what’s going to happen next, but big shout out to the players and the management for keeping the mood nice and balanced,” said Reyneke.

“It is a bit difficult for us but we are a good unit, we adapt quite nicely so once again a big shout out to the players and management. It is important to get a full game but otherwise, we’d take it game-by-game.”

On Saturday at 08:30, South Africa will face Ireland in Sarawak.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh