Top seeds Jersey remained unbeaten throughout the second European T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier in Krefeld, Germany, defeating surprise finalists Norway to secure the sole spot in next year's European Regional final, one step closer to the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup.
Heavy favourites Jersey began their campaign with a resounding 165-run victory over unranked Serbia, highlighted by Harrison Carlyon's historic century, the first-ever T20I hundred for Jersey. Their formidable score of 233-3 was followed by dismissing Serbia for just 68. Jersey continued their dominance with two more victories by over 100 runs. Jonty Jenner scored 67 off 30 balls against Switzerland, and Ben Ward’s 4-6 in the Swiss reply sealed a 167-run win. Against Belgium, Jersey posted just under 200, aided by Khalid Ahmadi’s three wickets, but restricted Belgium to 90-9 chasing 199.
Belgium, expected to be Jersey's main competitor in Group A, nearly lost their opener against Switzerland but secured a last-over win thanks to Burhan Niaz’s unbeaten 72 off 37 balls. However, Belgium’s surprise defeat to Croatia, who managed 140-6 with Zach Vukusic scoring a debut half-century, disrupted their campaign. Belgium was 100-6 in reply when rain intervened, leaving them six runs short on DLS. Croatia's match against Jersey was washed out, and they later lost to Switzerland by seven wickets.
Despite the washout, Jersey’s progression seemed uncertain as Norway dominated Group B with four wins, positioning themselves as potential finalists. Initially, Group B was to be played in Gelsenkirchen but moved to Krefeld due to unfit facilities. Many anticipated Germany would dominate Group B; however, missing key players like Dieter Klein, Josh van Heerden, and Dylan Blignaut, Germany relied on local talent. Germany won their opener against Gibraltar but faced tough resistance from Sweden, securing a narrow 2-run win despite Harmanjot Singh’s 70 from 35 balls.
Norway, meanwhile, comfortably defeated Sweden and Slovenia. In a decisive match against Germany, Norway posted 162 and restricted Germany despite Fayaz Khan’s five-wicket haul and 64 off 35 balls. Norway’s final group game against Gibraltar was closely contested, with Keiron Ferrary’s 3-26 and Keiron Stagno’s 65 off 26 nearly upsetting Norway, but rain ensured Norway's win via DLS, setting up a final against Jersey.
In the final, Jersey effortlessly defeated Norway, with Ben Ward taking 3-9 in four overs to bowl out Norway for 69. Despite Vinay Ravi’s four successive wickets reducing Jersey to 41-4, Asa Tribe and Charlie Brennan’s partnership secured victory with six wickets and 13 overs to spare.
Jersey's triumph earned them a spot in the European T20 Regional Final, expected to offer two qualifying spots for the 2026 World Cup. They will join the Netherlands and Scotland, who qualified for the 2024 World Cup, Italy, who won their Sub-Regional, and the winner of the third Sub-Regional in Guernsey next month.