Nigeria and the USA both celebrated their first-ever wins in the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, achieving their victories in contrasting styles.

The USA earned a comfortable nine-wicket triumph over Ireland, marking a significant milestone after their winless campaign in the 2023 edition.

"It feels absolutely amazing," said Disha Dhingra, who was instrumental in the win with a match-winning knock of 46 runs. "We have worked really hard, so I am glad that all of our hard work has paid off.

"Our last World Cup in South Africa was a really good learning experience, we were very new to that setting.

"We learned a lot playing other teams like Australia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and we learned a lot from the way they field compared to how we field.

"We took a lot of positives from South Africa and we really brought that over here and got better."

The USA's bowlers set the foundation by bowling Ireland out for 75, with Isani Vaghela taking three wickets, two of which were caught and bowled.

Chasing the target, Dhingra's explosive 46 from 33 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes, set a record as the highest individual score by a USA batter in an U19 Women's World Cup. She fell with the scores tied, but Vaghela sealed the win with a boundary, confirming the USA's historic moment.

"Obviously we want another win. There is a saying that once you taste victory, the tongue wants more.

"We're just going into that game, we want another win and I know we are going to fight for it," Dhingra added.

In Sarawak, Nigeria made their World Cup debut in thrilling fashion, defeating New Zealand in a tense two-run victory. Their opening match against Samoa had been washed out, making their first game even more crucial.

Facing a formidable New Zealand side that reached the semi-finals in 2023, Nigeria showed immense grit. In the 13-over reduced game, they scored 66 runs, with captain Piety Lucky (18) and Lilian Ude (19) contributing key runs.

New Zealand's chase was equally dramatic, with identical high scores and wickets lost. Three run-outs underlined the pressure, and Ude's brilliant final over ensured Nigeria's victory in their first-ever World Cup match.

"This is a very special moment for us," said Lucky. "There were a lot of catches, a lot of running between the wickets that I could not have done alone.

"The Nigeria camp is very excited about this win. The New Zealand side are a very good side, so we are very excited for this moment.

"Well played from the team, everyone did their best and it was a collective effort from everybody.

"We have been training for a long time. Back in the qualifiers we had so many things to do back home and work on and of course work on our weaknesses as well as our strengths.

"With our resources we have been able to pull off this win and it has been teamwork.

"Our own strategy in the Nigeria camp is one game at a time, we have taken one and there is still more to come."

Both teams now aim to build on their success and continue their remarkable journeys in the tournament.