African side Rwanda were the top performing associate member at the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, beating West Indies and Zimbabwe on their way to an eighth place finish, ahead of four full members. Three of those full members obviously then got automatic entry to this tournament, with Rwanda having to go through qualification, where they lost out to Nigeria.

The identity of the African associate member in the tournament may have changed, but the giant killing continues as Nigeria recorded a win over New Zealand today in Borneo. Put into bat in the rain-reduced 13 over contest, they scored 65-6 from their overs, with captain Lucky Piety top scoring with 19.

This proved to be enough though as New Zealand were restricted to 63-6 thanks to some smart bowling and good fielding that led tio three run outs. The two run win - coupled with results elsewhere - secured Nigeria's passage to the second stage of the tournament.

Nigeria celebrate their victory (ICC)

It wasn't the only win for an associate over a full member today, as USA made short work of Ireland to win by nine wickets in their contest.

In the match between Nepal and Scotland at the YSD-UKM Oval in Bangi, Nepal batted first after winning the toss and were bowled out for 73, Masie Maceira taking 5-15. Scotland nearly made a meal of their run chase after collapsing from 33-3 to 48-7 but held on to secure a one wicket win with eight balls to spare. Pippa Sprout top scored for them with 35.

The other associate at the tourmament had a disappointing - to put it very mildly - performance against South Africa as Samoa were bundled out for 16, the South Africans promptly knocking off the required runs in ten deliveries to win by ten wickets.