Guernsey beat Malta in second T20 World Cup qualifier

Guernsey kept their 2028 T20 World Cup qualifying hopes on track as they beat Malta.

The island side were six-wicket winners in their second game in Europe Sub Regional Qualifier A in Cyprus.

The victory ensured they stay top of their five-team group after two matches, having beaten Sweden by 12 runs on Saturday.

They face Austria and Slovenia in their final two group games, and should they top their pool will face the other group winners for a place in the final round of European qualifying next summer.

Having won the toss, Guernsey put Malta into bat and their bowlers showed little mercy to their opponents as they bowled them out for just 74 in 18.2 overs.

Martin Dale Bradley returned excellent figures of 4-9 while Adam Martel and Ed Robinson took two wickets each.

Maltese captain Mehboob Ali was one of only two players from his side to reach double figures as the opener hit 25 from 26 balls.

Muhammad Ajmal scored 17 not out as Malta struggled to cope with the Guernsey attack.

But in reply Guernsey got off to a shaky start as they lost opener Josh Butler for a duck and Tom Nightingale for 4 to leave them on 13-2 in the third over.

However, Lucas Barker and Matt Stokes steadied the innings with a 25-run third wicket stand before Barker was caught for 12.

Stokes, who hit a game-high 51 against Sweden, continued his good form with 24 not out as he and skipper Ollie Nightingale (28) guided Guernsey home with a 32-run partnership as the islanders reached 78-4 off 11.2 overs.