Central Eagles and Southern Sharks won match three and four of the Nigeria Cricket Super League played on Sunday.
Central Eagles secured a dramatic one-run victory over Eastern Elephants, while Southern Sharks returned to winning ways with a commanding 48-run triumph over Western Dolphins in Matchday Four fixtures of the Nigeria Super League at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos.
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The clash between Central Eagles and Eastern Elephants produced one of the most thrilling finishes of the tournament so far.
The Eagles holding their nerve to clinch victory on the final ball.
Batting first, Central Eagles posted 157/4 in their allotted 20 overs, inspired by an outstanding knock from Selim Salau. The wicketkeeper-batsman anchored the innings with a brilliant 83 off 61 balls, smashing four boundaries and seven sixes.
After early setbacks, Mohammed Moshood and Emmanuel Boniface Oche steadied the innings before Prosper Useni provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 22 from just nine deliveries.
Eastern Elephants responded strongly in their chase and came close to pulling off a memorable win.
Victor Ipoli led the fightback with a superb 52 off 35 balls, keeping the contest alive until the closing stages.
However, Central Eagles held their composure under pressure, producing crucial run-outs in the dying moments to restrict Eastern Elephants to 156/9 and seal a narrow one-run win.
Salau was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings.
In the second game of the day, Southern Sharks bounced back from their opening defeat with an emphatic 48-run victory over Western Dolphins.
The Sharks posted an imposing 176/7 in 20 overs after electing to bat first. Odion Isesele starred with a quickfire 54 off 31 balls, striking 11 boundaries in a fearless batting display, while Kenneth Boniface added 47 off 25 deliveries to boost the total.
Western Dolphins bowlers Monday Elijah and Chiemelie Udekwe claimed two wickets apiece but struggled to contain the Sharks’ aggressive batting lineup.
Chasing 177, the Dolphins lost wickets at regular intervals despite captain Vincent Adewoye’s fighting 35 off 21 balls.
Destiny Chilemanya also contributed 17, but Southern Sharks remained in control with the ball.
Ismail Abdullahi and Miracle Akhigbe picked up two wickets each as Western Dolphins were bowled out for 128 in 16.4 overs.
Isesele was named Player of the Match for his explosive half-century that laid the foundation for Southern Sharks’ victory.
