Guernsey end T20 World Cup qualifying campaign with Netherlands loss

Knowing they needed a win to stay in the hunt to again reach the T20 World Cup – and that net run rate could be key – the Dutch wasted little time in putting runs on the board.

They raced to 56 before losing their first wicket at the end of the seventh over when Michael Levitt was caught by Tom Nightingale off Martin Dale Bradley for 25, made from 23 balls.

Opening partner O’Dowd reached his 16th T20 international half-century off 32 balls as the Netherlands brought up their 100 at the start of the 13th over.

Bradley was the pick of the Guernsey bowlers with figures of 1-28 from his four overs as the islanders managed to restrict the scoring rate by O’Dowd and skipper Scott Edwards as the innings went on.

Despite that, they could not remove the pair, who shared an unbroken second wicket stand of 116, O’Dowd finishing on 92 not out off 57 balls, with 11 fours and a six, while Edwards made 48 off 40.

In reply, Guernsey got off to another poor start – opener Ben Fitchet making one, Nightingale six and Matt Stokes two as they slipped to 38-3 off 7.1 overs.

Bradley – who opened the batting – provided some resistance with 26 off 25 balls before was caught to leave the score on 43-5 in the 10th.

Zak Damarell (14), Ben Ferbrache (16) and Adam Martel (18 not out) also reached double figures but Guernsey ‘s only consolation was to avoid being bowled out in their 20 overs.