Having initially thought they had missed out after losing to Jersey in a nip-and-tuck final of the Sub-Regional Qualifier in Cyprus in May, a review of the European qualification pathway by the International Cricket Council means the Sarnians will progress to the next stage of the pathway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 in Australia and New Zealand.
In the Sub-Regional Qualifier in Cyprus, Guernsey won all four of their group matches beating Sweden, Malta, Austria and Slovenia to set up the clash with Jersey.
The Greens posted 139 for 5 in the final before reducing their opponents to 61 for five during the run chase.
It took a gutsy unbeaten half-century from Zak Tribe for Jersey to recover and secure a four-wicket victory which meant, under the qualification arrangements then in place, Guernsey appeared to have narrowly missed out on progression.
However, they have now been informed that they will join Jersey in progressing.
‘This is tremendous news for Guernsey Cricket and particularly for the players and management team who performed so well in Cyprus,’ said Guernsey Cricket chief operating officer Richard Headington.
‘There was obviously considerable disappointment when we lost the final to Jersey because, under the qualification structure as we understood it at the time, that result brought our World Cup campaign to an end.
‘The team had gone through the group stage unbeaten and demonstrated throughout the tournament that Guernsey deserved to be competing at this level, so to now learn that we will have the opportunity to continue that journey in 2027 is hugely exciting.
‘It is also significant for Guernsey Cricket more widely. International competition at this level gives our players something tangible to aspire towards and provides an important pathway for the talented young cricketers currently progressing through our age-group and development programmes.
‘We are enormously proud to represent Guernsey internationally and we now have another major tournament to work towards over the coming months.’
Further details regarding the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, including the venue, dates, participating nations and competition format, will be announced in due course.
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