Guernsey lose to Finland in T20 World Cup qualifier

Guernsey's batters struggled at Port Soif as only two made it into double figures

Guernsey's hopes of making the final of their 2026 T20 World Cup qualifier suffered a blow after a surprising four-run loss to Finland.

In a game reduced to 13 overs per side after rain Guernsey put the Finns into bat and bowled them out for just 90 in 12.4 overs as Martin Dale Bradley took 3-11 and Luke Bichard 3-15.

But in reply the home batters struggled as they were reduced to 36-6 off 7.2 overs as opener Josh Butler (21) was the only player in the islanders' top five to make double figures.

Ollie Nightingale and Luke Bichard put on 21 for the seventh wicket before Bichard was caught and bowled for eight after 10.2 overs.

Nightingale went on to make 32 before being run out with a ball to spare as the the islanders bowled out for 86 in 12.5 overs.

Guernsey's tail could not help get the required runs with no other player managing more than seven runs at Port Soif.

Luke Bichard was one of two Guernsey bowlers to take three wickets

Hosts Guernsey began their campaign with an impressive eight-wicket win over Bulgaria on Wednesday before beating Malta by the same result on Thursday.

The Sarnians will play Estonia on Sunday in their final pool match knowing they must win if they want to finish top of their five-team pool.

The side finishing top will play the best side in the tournament's other group on Wednesday for the final spot in the European regional final next year.

Scotland, Netherlands, Italy and Jersey are already through with the top two sides from the tournament qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup.