The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural edition of the Nigeria Super League, with Southern Sharks and Middle-Belt Tigers facing off in the final on Saturday at the TBS Cricket Oval, Lagos, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
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 runs for the loss of six wickets 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 runs in 11.3 overs. Captain Runsewe Sulaimon led the resistance with a fighting 19 runs, but the Sharks’ bowling attack proved decisive. Isaac delivered a match-winning spell of three wickets, while Akhigbe Miracle supported admirably with two 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.
The Eagles posted 98 runs for nine wickets 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 and a valuable 24 not out from Ndubudem 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. Akachukwu led the batting effort with 30 runs, while Peter Aho starred with the ball, taking three wickets to help defend a total of 83.
Before the final, the third-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.
