Idia Royals retain South-South Female Cricket League

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Idia Royals Cricket Club successfully defended their title at the South-South Female Cricket League after a commanding performance in the Super 4 playoffs, capping off a dominant campaign.

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To reach the final, Idia Royals defeated Pathfinders Cricket Club by 51 runs in the semi-finals, while Delta Force edged Smashers Cricket Club by one wicket in a tense encounter to set up the clash.

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In the final match held at the Iyoba Cricket Pitch, Idia Royals won the toss and elected to bat. They posted an imposing total of 141 runs for four wickets in 20 overs, with their lineup—largely made up of national team players—proving too strong for Delta Force.

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Lucky Piety led the charge with an outstanding unbeaten 58 runs off 39 balls, anchoring the innings and ensuring her side had a formidable total to defend.

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Delta Force struggled in response, managing just 58 runs for eight wickets in 16.5 overs.

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Their batting lineup was dismantled by a disciplined Idia Royals bowling attack. Peace Usen, Favour Eseigbe, and Oseyande Omonkhobho claimed two wickets each, while Piety Shola Adekunle chipped in with one wicket to seal a comprehensive victory.

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The triumph also saw Idia Royals dominate the individual accolades. Eseigbe was named the Most Valuable Player for her all-round contributions, while Piety’s match-winning knock earned her the Best Batter award.

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Despite their semi-final exit, Smashers Cricket Club had standout performers, with Faith Okpara claiming the Best Bowler award and Goodnews Obot emerging as Best Fielder.

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Kehinde Amusa of UNIPORT Pathfinders Cricket Club was recognised as the Best Behaved player, while Idia Royals’ Omonye Aiwone was named the Young Promising Player of the tournament.

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Sponsored by the Chairman of the Edo State Cricket Association and NCF president, Uyi Akpata, the South-South Female League began in 2021 as the first-ever women’s league in Nigeria.

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