Cricket: Edo State wins National Women’s championship

Edo  women’s cricket team has won the fourth edition of the National Women’s Championship.

The tournament organised by the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) saw Edo beat Akwa Ibom by 89 runs finishing unbeaten to clinch victory on Sunday.

Akwa Ibom had won the toss and elected to field but the Edo batting prowess couldn’t be contained.

Opening batter Victory Igbinedion dominated the scoring chart with 40 from 54 balls with Piety Lucky contributing 36 from 23 balls before a hit wicket dismissal saw her off to the stands.

Teammate Anointed Akhigbe also added 12 from 18 balls helping the Benin side reach 128 runs in the first innings.

The second innings was a light walk for the inspired Edo team which  saw off all of Akwa Ibom batters in 12 overs with a paltry 39 runs to show.

Uyi Akpata, President of the Federation said that the 2024 Championship has confirmed what concerted effort in the growing women sports can produce.

“It’s been seven days of quality cricket and showcase of cricket skills by girls from all the six geo-political zones of the country.

“We had Gombe, Kaduna, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, Anambra, Akwa Ibom and Edo and it has been nothing short of excellent display from all sides.

“I am proud of the teams that took part in the tournament and can only hope that we continue to grow women’s cricket,” he said.

Favour Eseigbe, Edo  captain said that she was proud of the team’s achievement as all members gave their best for them to emerge champions.

Peace Usen, the player of the match of the encounter took five wickets in four overs conceding on six runs and one maiden.

The finals of the NCF Womens’s Championship started on Tuesday and ended on Sunday in Abuja.

NAN