In a rain-disrupted but heart-pounding contest at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, the Lagos State Women’s cricket team clinched a nail-biting 1-run victory over Akwa Ibom State Women using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the 2025 National Sports Festival (NSF) – Gateway Games (T20 Female).
Related: Full NSF Gateway Games Cricket Coverage – Forema Media
☁️ Rain Alters Course of Thriller
Originally scheduled as a full T20 (20-over) match, the encounter was dramatically shortened after inclement weather delayed the second innings. Akwa Ibom had posted a competitive first-innings total in their full 20 overs, setting up what seemed to be a standard chase.
However, a heavy downpour caused a long interruption, forcing officials to recalculate the target using the DLS method. Lagos was set a revised total of 38 runs in 5.5 overs — a high-pressure chase in unpredictable conditions.
Learn More: What Is the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method in Cricket? – ICC Guide
Final Overs Deliver Drama
With the match hanging in the balance, Lagos needed a moment of brilliance — and Taiwo Abdulquadri delivered just that. Facing the final over from Victoria Etukudo, Abdulquadri smashed three consecutive boundaries to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Lagos finished with 39/2 in 5.5 overs, securing a 1-run win, sparking jubilation on the pitch and in the stands.
⭐ Key Performances
Akwa Ibom State Women:
- Victoria Etukudo: 2/7 in 2 overs + 1 run-out. A standout all-round performance under pressure.
- Nsisong Ifreke Ndarake: 2-0-12-0. Tight lines and crucial dot balls kept Lagos under pressure.
Lagos State Women:
- Taiwo Abdulquadri: Match-winning knock in the final over. Her late flourish sealed the deal and turned the game on its head.
Don’t Miss: Rising Nigerian Women Cricketers to Watch in 2025
⚖️ Match Officials
- Umpires: Olanbiwonnu Kehinde, Oladunjoye Taiwo, Baines Oluwatoyosi
- Scorers: Ogundele Ololade Oluwatunmise, Abdullai Lateef
⚖️ Tactical Takeaways
The shortened match tested both teams’ tactical adaptability. Akwa Ibom’s bowlers executed well, but the format shift left little margin for error. Lagos, under pressure, maintained composure and took calculated risks — a decision that ultimately paid off.
Tactical Insight: How Teams Adapt Strategies in Rain-Affected T20 Matches
Implications for the Tournament
This crucial win gives Lagos State Women vital momentum in the league phase of the 2025 Gateway Games, positioning them favorably for the knockout rounds. For Akwa Ibom, it’s a narrow loss — but one filled with promise, especially with Etukudo’s all-round showing.
Read Next: Akwa Ibom Clinch Bronze in NSF Women’s Cricket
A Boost for Nigerian Women’s Cricket
Beyond the numbers, this match was a showcase of how women’s cricket in Nigeria is evolving into a competitive and crowd-pleasing spectacle. As the National Sports Festival continues to highlight emerging talent, games like this drive fan interest and future investment.
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Match Summary
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Akwa Ibom Women | Full 20 overs (score not disclosed) |
| Lagos Women | 39/2 in 5.5 overs (DLS) |
| Result | Lagos Women won by 1 run (DLS) |
| Player of the Match | Taiwo Abdulquadri (Lagos) |
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