Jersey took a big step to making the final of their 2028 T20 World Cup qualifier as they beat France by eight wickets in Cyprus.
Patrick Gouge hit 54 while Harrison Carlyon scored 57 as Jersey chased down previously unbeaten France’s total of 145 with 4.1 overs to spare.
The victory puts the islanders two points clear at the top of their five-team group in T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier A.
Having beaten Switzerland and hosts Cyprus in their opening two games it means Jersey need to beat Croatia on Tuesday to guarantee a place in Saturday’s final.
Should they top their group they will face the winners of the other five-team pool for a place in next summer’s final round of European qualifying.
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Jersey won the toss and put the French into bat – a decision which initially looked to be backfiring as their opponents tore into the opening overs.
Nasibullah Arab hit 33 off just 12 balls before being caught of Julius Sumerauer’s bowling to leave France on 42-2 off 3.5 overs.
The wicket stalled France’s scoring rate as Charles Perchard claimed the scalps of Christian Roberts (3) and Zada Sher (2) as the French moved on to 59-4 off 7.5 overs.
But France rallied in their middle order – Mohammad Khan Rafah hit 47 off 26 balls and Rahimgul Naseri scored 17 as the pair put on 41 for the sixth wicket.
But once Rafah was caught off Dominic Blampied’s bowling to leave France on 114-6 from 14 overs Jersey were able to take the final four wickets for 31 runs as the French were bowled out for 145 off 19.2 overs.
Five Jersey bowlers took two wickets each – Zak Tribe’s 2-2 off 1.2 overs the pick of the quintet as Perchard took 2-16.
In reply Jersey’s openers Carlyon and Gouge had a 93-run stand that lasted 9.4 overs before Gouge was caught for 54 off 34 balls having hit four sixes and three fours.
Nick Greenwood went for 1 soon after but Jersey continued to be well above the required run rate as Carlyon and Jonty Jenner guided Jersey home.
Jenner let fly with the bat as he made 33 off just 15 balls while Carlyon’s 57 came off 42 balls and included six fours and a six as they guided Jersey to 148-2 off 15.5 overs.