Guernsey take control of T20 World Cup qualifying group

Guernsey moved to the top of their 2028 T20 World Cup qualifying group after beating Austria by 46 runs in Cyprus.

The two sides had each won their opening two games in Sub Regional Europe Qualifier A, with Guernsey having beaten Malta and Sweden over the weekend.

Josh Butler scored 68 while Tom Nightingale hit 55 as Guernsey made 196-7 before bowling out their opponents for 150 in reply.

The win puts Guernsey two points clear of the Austrians ahead of their final pool game on Tuesday against winless Slovenia.

A victory would guarantee a place in the final and a chance to play for the one spot at next summer's final round of European qualifying for the 2028 T20 World Cup - currently Channel island rivals Jersey lead the other group.

Having lost the toss and been put into bat opener Josh Butler and Tom Nightingale set a good foundation for the Guernsey innings.

Butler, who was dropped on 31, and Nightingale went on to get 83 for the second wicket.

Nightingale was caught towards the end of the 11th over having smashed five sixes and four fours in his 25-ball knock of 55 to leave Guernsey on 106-2.

Matt Stokes replaced him and provided great support to Butler who went on to score 68 before being caught with the score on 148-3 - his 49-ball innings saw him hit five fours and three sixes.

Stokes went on to make 42 as Guernsey ended on 196-7 from their 20 overs.

In reply Austria’s top order batters were no match for the Guernsey attack - only opener Katanbir Singh put up any resistance with a knock of 59 off 30 balls that included six sixes.

When he was caught off Matt Stokes’ bowling Austria were left on 96-6.

While the lower order proved to be more stubborn they were never able to get close to the run rate.

Luke Bichard took 3-24 and Ed Robinson 3-34 as Austria were bowled out for 150 in 17.4 overs.