THE Fiji Baby Pearls pool contest against Malawi at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar on Monday night ended in a 51-52 loss after an intense match that got down to the wire in its dying moments.
Both teams exhibited a mix of strength, ferocity and a desire to win at all costs.
Captained by Nina Nakula, the Baby Pearls were behind Malawi by a single point, 25-26 at half-time.
As the match progressed into the third quarter, the Pearls gained traction with a surge of new life with a 41-36 lead over their opponents.
When the final quarter came around, both sides had to up the ante due to the narrow points margin separating them for much of the match.
As one team’s goal shooter successfully placed the ball through the ring, so did the other as scores crossed the 50-point mark and the clock neared zero.
A final opportunity for Malawi to get their score through saw them win the match.
Celebratory scenes unfolded on the court at the arena as Malawi players ran onto it and celebrated their win over the Baby Pearls who until then, had downed Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados in their first two pool encounters.
The Baby Pearls are on a bye today and will face South Africa in their final pool match at 5am. tomorrow.
