JERSEY and Guernsey’s cricketers will face off in a one-match shootout, with the winners keeping their 2028 T20 World Cup dreams alive.
Few inter-island sporting fixtures over recent years have carried such significance, with the Channel Island rivals set to contest the European Qualifier A final today.
Both teams boast a 100% record through the group stage of the tournament, which is currently being held in Cyprus.
The final is set to start at 1.30pm today and will be broadcast live on the ICC website.
The winners will progress to the European Regional Finals – the final qualification stage before the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Neither island has qualified for a World Cup previously, with Jersey narrowly missing out on a debut in 2026 after finishing third in the final stage of qualification last year.
The match follows a major weekend of Channel Island sport last weekend, when both the Muratti and Siam Cups were held.
Jersey’s cricket team, captained by Charlie “Chuggy” Perchard, will be hoping to fare better than the Island’s men’s footballers and rugby players, after Guernsey lifted both trophies last Saturday.
Perchard said: “It’s been a really good tournament so far. We’ve shown our class, particularly in the field. I think we deserve to be in the final.
“We have some batters in terrific form, they’re getting us over the line in the key moments, and the Croatia performance was just outstanding.
“We didn’t want to take our eye off the ball – which was to reach the final. We’ve done that, and we’re excited for another contest with Guernsey. They’ve done really well themselves to top Group B, and we know they’re a really strong side, so it won’t be an easy challenge.”
Meanwhile, Jersey’s women’s football team will have the chance to avenge the men’s Muratti loss at Springfield. The women’s Muratti is due to kick-off today at 1.30pm.
Jersey captain Holly Sundby said: “I think our biggest thing will be getting the emotions under control. We’ve just got to keep the game calm – just play and breathe.”
She added: “It’s quite a similar squad to the last few years. A lot of the team are young players who’ve come through together, and we have Anita [Tavares] and Dannie [Bradshaw] with us now too.
“Anita is our top goalscorer for Bulls but has never played a Muratti before, because she’s been away in America for four years. And Dannie hasn’t played in one either. I think she’ll be able to keep a level head throughout the game.
“I think we will try to dominate in possession. We’ve had a lot of success in possession this season and we’ve been able to be more creative.
“Guernsey are always going to be physical. I think it’ll be a very physical game. I just want to win it and I think this team deserves it.”
