Jersey fall to Italy attack

Joe Scuderi knows the importance of Italy's victory

Italy’s victory over Jersey has set up a tantalising finish to the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division Four, but means Jersey’s World Cup dream is over for another campaign.

Italy will probably need to record victories over Tanzania and Afghanistan and hope their net run-rate is good enough if they are progress to Division Three in Argentina in January.

Italy, who had lost twice to Jersey in 2007, boosted their hopes of qualification when they won the battle of the two European sides at Leaders Club.

Nick Northcote (38) top-scored for Italy as it amassed 171 all out, with Ryan Driver’s medium-pace causing havoc as he took 4-16.

Despite some brave resistance from Jersey in another rain-affected match – particularly from skipper Mat Hague (53 not out) – they were eventually reduced to 121 all out.

“Today was vital that we won our match, especially against Jersey who beat us when we played a while ago,” said Joe Scuderi, captain and coach of Italy.

“We’ve just got to keep winning in this tournament – that’s the bottom line.”

Afghanistan and Hong Kong maintained their unbeaten records ahead of their big face-off at Anadil Burhani tomorrow.

In a dramatic finish, Afghanistan overcame a young and talented Tanzania team by just eight runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method, while Tabarak Dar’s Hong Kong side enjoyed a comprehensive 129-run win over Fiji on a rain-interrupted day in Dar Es Salaam.

Afghanistan’s batting once again underperformed against Tanzania, making just 143 all out, but inspired by brilliant performances from Mohammad Nabi (3-12), who was named player of the match, Hasti Gul (3-29) and Hamid Hassan (3-37), they fought back in dramatic fashion to seal an exciting victory.

With Tanzania on 112 for five, chasing a revised target of 139 to win in 46 overs due to the rain, it looked like they were certain to spring the upset of the tournament, until a flurry of wickets dented their hopes.

“It was a very good match, it was a very exciting match but my team put in an excellent bowling performance,” said Norooz Mangal, Afghanistan captain, whose side lost to Hong Kong in the semi-finals of the ACC Trophy Elite earlier this year.

“Tomorrow should be a very good match. Hong Kong is a very good side and it is a rematch for us as well.”

Hong Kong made 233 for seven against Fiji, with Roy Laslam top-scoring with a quickfire 55 not out, before opening bowler Najeeb Amar (3-21) and slow left-armer Nadeem Ahmed (3-28) made sure of victory.

Tabarak Dar was proud of the efforts of his players and is looking forward to the challenge of taking on Afghanistan.

“We have the upper hand against them having beaten them the last time we played them,” said Dar.

“It will be a tough game – they are a good all-round side like ourselves and it should be a good match.”

In tomorrow’s other fixtures, Jersey face Fiji and Italy take on Tanzania.

Score summaries:

Hong Kong beat Fiji by 129 runs at University
Hong Kong 233 for seven, 50 overs (Roy Laslam 55 not out, Butt Hussain 48, Zain Abbas 47; Waikato Tukana 3-34)
Fiji 104 all out, 30.1 overs (Najeeb Amar 3-21, Nadeem Ahmed 3-28)

Italy beat Jersey by 29 runs (D/L method) at Leaders Club
Italy 171 all out, 46.5 overs (Nick Northcote 38, Ryan Driver 4-16, Peter Gough 3-35)
Jersey 121 all out, 33.3 overs

Afghanistan beat Tanzania by eight runs (D/L method) at Anadil Burhani
Afghanistan 143 all out, 46.3 overs (Kassim Nassoro 3-24)
Tanzania 130 all out, 44.2 overs (Mohammad Nabi 3-12, Hasti Gul 3-29, Hamid Hassan 3-37)