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SD crashes out of Cricket World Cup qualifiers
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By MTHUNZI MAZIYA - SWAZI TIMES-30-Jul-2010
BIG BEND – Swaziland crashed out of the 2012 Cricket World Cup qualifiers when they lost to a super-charged Nigeria team at Ubombo Club yesterday.
Nigeria recorded a runs total of 192 to win by 149.
It was a contrasting performance from the local team as they bowled well. This was a hopeful start, but it would not last long as things turned for the worst when the local’s batsmen took to the field, with Nigeria having two men out within the first three overs. At the 9th over, Swaziland had only managed 20/5, and the writing was on the wall.
Having lost the toss, the locals began well, managing to take out four Nigerians by the 25th over. Good bowling from Henk Nel and Jlan Patel saw the sixth wicket fall by the 30th over, but the Nigerians continued to record more runs, which would later put the Swazi team under immense pressure.
On the 33rd over, it was Nigeria’s Seun Adeboro that had to leave the pitch after being bowled out by Nel. A minute later, wicket number 7 fell for Swaziland as Patel let loose to force another of the opposition’s batsmen out. The Nigerians were 192 all-out by the 44.5th over, and a break was called before the locals took to the field to bat.
Swaziland had a very bad start at this stage as they were quickly 20 for 5 after nine overs. The Nigerians seemed to be too strong for the locals, who never looked like they would pose a threat at any time. Their slim hopes of advancing to the next round evaporated into thin air way before the Nigerians could finish their 300 balls.
After the game, indications were very clear that the Swaziland Cricket Association would have to work hard for future success. Yesterday, the locals lost to a superb Nigerian team, which was always going to cause havoc having entered the tournament as the highest ranked team, and the odds on favourite to win the group.
Swaziland’s coach, Sean Roodt said his team must take the experience from the tournament and put it to good use. He said not all was lost with the defeat. "We learnt a lot, and I’m hopeful that these children will grow to be even better players," he said.
The locals play their last game against Gambia at the same venue today, and it would be nothing more than consolation.
Nigeria advance to second round
BIG BEND - Nigeria’s cricket team advanced to the second round of the 2012 Cricket World Cup qualifiers after the convincing victory over Swaziland.
Nigeria recorded a 100 per cent record in the tournament, having won all four of their matches since Monday.
The victory over the locals was more of a confirmation of a target the Nigerians came very close to achieving when they won against Rwanda on Wednesday.
They were the top ranked team in the group that also included the Gambia and Mozambique.
"Being the vast country that Nigeria is and its experience in Cricket over the countries that participated in this tournament, I think it was befitting that we came here and won convincingly. I hope we can take the same spirit into the second round in Namibia," said Nigeria’s coach, Sean Phillips.
He also pointed out that the secret to his team’s success was good preparations. He said they trained very well ahead of the tournament, and he never doubted that they would succeed. Rwanda is best placed to finish second in the group after beating the Gambia by 8 wickets at U-Tech yesterday
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