Jersey emerged victorious in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier B on Sunday, thanks to a six-wicket win over Norway in Germany following seven days of entertaining action. The team, led by captain Charles “Chuggy” Perchard, went through the competition undefeated, winning three of their group games against Serbia, Switzerland and Belgium with the game against Croatia ending without a result.
Sunday’s final contest pitted the eventual winners against another impressive outfit from the Qualifier, Norway, who themselves had won their four previous group games against Sweden, Slovenia, Germany, and Gibraltar.
Winning the toss and opting to bowl, Jersey took the initiative early on in Sunday’s contest and grew in strength from there. Losing opener Raza Iqbal in just the second over, Norway tried to rebuild steadily before collapsing from 32 for one to 39 for eight by the 11th over.
“It’s been a huge team effort. All the guys who have stepped onto the field have contributed at various points,” Jersey captain Perchard said.
“We spoke about making real statements to the world that we’re too good to play at this level and we played four games and won convincingly against four opponents, which is what we set out to do.
“We’re hugely excited about playing in the event next year. The boys are super motivated to qualify for the World Cup having seen the Associates perform well last month and it gives us the fire in the belly to potentially make it ourselves. Next year is another opportunity; we’ll have to play some great cricket but we’re looking forward to it.”
Eventually bowled out for 69 in the 16th over, the Jersey bowlers shared the wickets, with Ben Ward starring with three for nine, and Dan Birrell, Julius Sumerauer and Perchard chipping in with two wickets apiece.
When play resumed, Jersey lost Nick Greenwood in the first over, and with the help of some excellent bowling by Norway’s Vinay Ravi, they fell to 41 for four. Despite these setbacks, Jersey got over the line with batters Asa Tribe and Charlie Brennan combining in a 30-run partnership to see them over the line by six wickets.
Ward was named the Player of the Match for his bowling efforts, and also walked away with the Player of the Tournament accolade with 13 wickets throughout the competition.
The win means Jersey progress to the Europe Qualifier, set to take place in 2025. They join Netherlands, Italy and Scotland at this final stage of qualification for the region, with the final spot being determined at the Europe Sub Regional Qualifier C which will be held in Guernsey from 21 August.
