Afghanistan dent Jersey hopes

Jersey’s hopes of promotion from ICC World Cricket League Division Four suffered a second blow as they lost by 124 runs to Afghanistan in Dar Es Salaam today.

The defeat comes a day after the Channel Islanders fell to a 34-run loss to hosts Tanzania in the opening round of matches.

Hasti Gul and Hamid Hassan shared six wickets as Kabir Khan’s side, who made it two wins out of two, in a repeat of the ICC World Cricket League Division Five final.

Afghanistan, batting first, scored 203 for nine in 50 overs and then bowled out Jersey for 79 – a performance which pleased coach Khan.

“Everybody is very happy as we have taken one step closer to the final and the team has played very well,” he said.

“Bowling wise, I am really happy and our fielding was excellent again today. We do need to work on our batting but I was not worried because I knew 200 runs would be a winning score on this wicket.

“Our main tests will be against Hong Kong and Tanzania which are both good sides. We will know how far we have developed when we play in those pressure matches.”

Jersey are now unlikely to be one of the top two sides who qualify for the ICC World Cricket League Division Three which will be held in Argentina in January.

They are next in action against Italy on Tuesday, following tomorrow’s rest day, when Hong Kong also take on Fiji and Tanzania play Afghanistan.

Italy beat Fiji by 254 runs with Andrew Northcote (102 retired hurt) registering the first century of the tournament at Anadil Burhani.

Italy captain Joe Scuderi struck a rapid 44 not out in his side's win over Fiji in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

The 25-year-old, who put on 140 runs for the first wicket with Thushara Kurukulasuriya (73), was five runs short of a century when he collapsed with heat exhaustion. He bravely carried on to reach the three figures but retired soon after.

With some clean-hitting down the order from skipper Joe Scuderi, who hit five boundaries in a quickfire 44 not out, Italy reached 318 for five and then dismissed Fiji for 64 in less than 20 overs.

Northcote said: “It was my first century for Italy and I’m very happy that we have won.

“I had begun to feel unwell early in the innings but I was determined to keep going. I feel much better now and look forward to the remaining matches.”

Left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed took 4-19 as Hong Kong maintained their excellent run in the event by beating Tanzania by 134 runs after the home team, which had defeated Jersey by 34 runs on the opening day on Saturday, was bowled out for 121 while chasing 256 for victory.

Ahmed was delighted with his side’s effort and admitted that he was content with the form of his side and the pitches in Dar Es Salaam.

“I am pretty happy with my bowling but everybody chipped in to this performance,” said Ahmed who suffered a knee injury during his bowling spell.

“I like the pitches here. In the afternoon the pitches slow down which is a good thing for us and our bowling.”

Earlier, Hong Kong again showed excellent form with the bat and scored 255 as player of the match Moner Ahmed top-scored with 66 while skipper Tabarak Dar (60) again made an important contribution.

Score summaries:

Afghanistan beat Jersey by 124 runs at University
Afghanistan 203 for nine, 50 overs (Karim Khan 60, Sam Dewhurst 2-26)
Jersey 79 all out, 34.2 overs (Hamid Hassan 3-17, Hasti Gul 3-20)

Italy beat Fiji by 254 runs at Anadil Burhani
Italy 318 for five, 50 overs (Andrew Northcote 102 retired hurt, Thushara Kurukulasuriya 73, Joe Scuderi 44 not out, Peter Petricola 36)
Fiji 64 all out, 19.3 overs (Hemantha Jayasena 3-13)

Hong Kong beat Tanzania by 134 runs at Leaders Club
Hong Kong 255 all out, 49.2 overs (Moner Ahmed 66, Tabarak Dar 60, John Laslam 31)
Tanzania 121 all out, 39.4 overs (Shaheed Dhanani 45; Nadeem Ahmed 4-19)