Nigeria Super League final set after thrilling elimination stage

By Jacob Ajom

The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the Nigeria Super League at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos today, following two intense elimination-stage encounters at the same venue yesterday.

Southern Sharks secured the first place in the final after defeating Middle-Belt Tigers by 17 runs in a rain-shortened contest. Batting first, the Sharks posted 85/6 in 13 overs, with Durotoye Gideon top-scoring with 27 runs, while Danladi Isaac added a brisk 13 runs to help set a competitive total.

In response, Middle-Belt Tigers put up a spirited fight but were eventually bowled out for 68 in 11.3 overs. Captain Runsewe Sulaimon led the resistance with a fighting 19 runs, but the Sharks’ bowling attack proved decisive. Danladi Isaac delivered a match-winning spell of 3 wickets, while Akhigbe Miracle supported admirably with 2 wickets to guide Southern Sharks into the final.

Middle-Belt Tigers, however, responded strongly in the second eliminator to claim the remaining final spot with a convincing six-wicket victory over Central Eagles. Central Eagles posted 98/9 in 20 overs, led by Mohammed Moshood’s 32 and Chima Akachukwu’s 26.

The Tigers chased the target in 17.2 overs, anchored by an unbeaten 38 from captain Runsewe Sulaimon and a valuable 24 not out from Ndubudem Elochukwu David, sealing their passage to the championship match.

Earlier in the elimination round, Central Eagles edged Northern Lions by seven runs in another closely fought contest. Chima Akachukwu led the batting effort with 30 runs, while Peter Aho starred with the ball, taking 3 wickets to help defend a total of 83.

Attention now shifts to today’s finals at the TBS Cricket Oval, Lagos. The 3rd Place Playoff will see Northern Lions face Central Eagles at 10:00 am, before Southern Sharks and Middle-Belt Tigers contest the Nigeria Super League Final at 1:30 pm.

The Nigeria Super League promises a grand finish as the race for the title reaches its climax.

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