The ninth match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Region Final saw a riveting contest between Scotland and Jersey, with both teams competing for the remaining slots in next year's mega event.
Batting first, Scotland posted a modest total of 133 runs for the loss of seven wickets. After suffering a top-order collapse, the Richie Berrington-led outfit managed to breach the 130-run mark, riding on valuable contributions from Matthew Cross and Mark Watt.
However, Jersey put up a commendable batting effort, chasing the target successfully in the final over. Nick Greenwood contributed 49 runs to their tally, while Charles Perchard and Jake Dunford remained unbeaten, ensuring Jersey went past the finish line.
This defeat knocked Scotland out of the competition against the odds despite many reckoning them as one of the hot favourites to qualify for the main event.
T20 World Cup Qualification Scenarios Before Netherlands vs Italy Match
Jersey's emphatic win over Scotland helped them secure two crucial points and claim the second position in the standings. The final game between the Netherlands and Italy holds significance for all three teams as it will decide the two qualifiers from Europe for the T20 World Cup.
Currently, Italy are placed at the top with five points, same as Jersey. If the Netherlands 4 points win the final game by a narrow margin, they will qualify for the World Cup along with the Italians, who have a considerably higher NRR than Jersey. However, if Italy defeat the Dutch, Jersey will create history by making their first-ever entry to the showpiece event.