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NIGERIA TAKES ON ZAMBIA IN WCL AFRICA 2 OPENER | (2008-10-03 )
The Nigerian Cricket team yesterday rounded up its preparation for the WCL Africa 2
tournament after two back-to-back victories in warm-up matches on Wednesday and
Thursday.
Playing against an invitational U-19 team last Wednesday, the Nigerian XI dismissed
their opponents for 87 runs in 27 overs; with Jide Bejide taking 3 wicket for 16 runs,
Chimezie Onwuzulike 3 for 24 and skipper Wale Adeoye 2 for 6.
The Nigerians lost the wicket of Emmanuel Okwudili(12) in achieving their total of 90
runs for 1 wicket to win the match easily. Dolapo Gafar and Lekan awolowo were
both unbeaten on 35 and 13 respectively.
The second match against the Easterns Academy XI was more competitive with the
Nigerians winning the toss and electing to bat first. At the end of the 50-over innings,
225 runs were scored for the loss of 7 wickets. Segun Olayinka who opened for his
side carried his bat right through the innings for 98 runs and he was given support
by Dolapo Gafar(48) and Uthe Ogbimi (25).
The Academy side proved its mettle by scoring 196 runs in return losing marginally
by 29 runs. Kunle Adegbola was the toast of the bowlers with 2 wickets for 27 runs
in his 10 overs. Other wicket-takers were Wale Adeoye with 3 for 32 in 4.5 overs
and Endurance Ofem with 2 for 42 in 6 overs.
Nigeria opens its campaign in the tournament on Saturday 4th October with a match
against Zambia. Zambia is ranked 3rd out of the six participating countries one place
above Nigeria who are ranked 4th.
The Nigerian team will be aiming to prove the ranking wrong by defeating their
opponents in a must-win match for them.
Nigeria faces Swaziland next on Sunday, October 5th; Botswana on Monday October 6th.
Tuesday, October 7th is rest day and hostilities resume on Tuesday October 8th with a
match against Mozambique and ends the campaign with a match against West African
neighbour, Ghana on Wednesday October 9th.
The team returns home nest Thursday.
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