May 30, 2026

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.