No side has won more matches than the young Sarnians in this week’s ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup Europe Division Two Qualifier, but they have missed out on the final and promotion to Division One after suffering a 38-run defeat to an ecstatic Sweden in Tuesday’s semi-final at the KGV.
Despite a big crowd turning up to support the home side throughout the day, Guernsey came up short in a nip-and-tuck match which ebbed and flowed in both innings before Swedish leg-spinner Nischith Mokhamatam became his side’s hero with a five-wicket haul that ultimately turned the game in their favour.
But while Guernsey can look back at various points throughout the game that could be seen as pivotal – dropped catches during the Sweden innings in particular – the biggest lesson they need to learn is that 50 overs is a long time to bat and it was no coincidence that the side who used up their whole allocation of deliveries came out on top.
Sweden were given a helping hand early on by some erratic bowling from the hosts and a couple of chances went to ground inside the powerplay that could have made a big difference.
After an opening stand of 76 between hard-hitting left-hander Muhammad Kiani and Sayan Sharma was ended by a fine running catch by Ed Robinson to dismiss the former for 42, Guernsey’s spinners gained control with both Alfie Gallienne and Freddie Forshaw continuing their fine form with economical spells, though the pick of the attack on this occasion was off-spinner Barney Groves who produced an outstanding unbroken 10-over stint from the Blanc Bois end that saw him pick up 3 for 36.
Had a catch stuck on the boundary from Will Verdellis’ first ball after replacing Groves in the 33th over when Sweden captain Muhammad Khattak was only on 22, Guernsey would have been firmly in the driving seat, but it burst through the fielder’s hands and the visiting skipper went on to top score with 75 including nine fours and a six.
The run-rate never got out of control, but by using up all their 300 balls, plus the numerous extras, Sweden posted what was always going to be a testing total of 251 for 8.
Robinson and Oscar Lewis set about their task confidently and although the U15 opener and Gallienne both fell in the first 12 overs, the captain was joined by Ed Le Prevost in a solid stand of 70 to put the Greens in a promising position at 129 for 2 after 21 overs.
However, once the Robinson fell for a fine 74, seemingly almost surprised by a straight full ball from Pranav Yadav who had started waywardly, wickets began to tumble at regular intervals and Guernsey were unable to halt the slide.
Mokhamatam tore through the middle order, three of whom were caught at slip, and once he had bowled out, off-spinner Sharma finished off the job as Guernsey were all out for 213 in the 42nd over.
Sweden will now face Italy, who beat Germany by seven wickets in the other semi-final, in tomorrow’s final at the KGV with both sides having now earned promotion.
The Sarnians will be in the game no-one wants to play – the third place play-off, which will be at Port Soif.
To paraphrase Sweden’s biggest export, the winners take it all.
