Cricket World Cup qualifiers: ‘Special’ Jersey targeting history

The Challenge League campaign, which concludes in 2026, features five matches in each round, with Jersey also beating Kenya by seven wickets, Denmark by 89 runs and Papua New Guinea by 160 runs, as well as sharing a tie with Kuwait.

Hosting the round, seven of Jersey’s starting side against Qatar were under 26, including 20-year-old Richardson and 21-year-old Asa Tribe, who scored 53 off 40 balls.

“The talent levels are through the roof and the desire is great to see,” added Perchard, who was their oldest player involved by two years at the age of 33.

“These young lads bring in so much energy. They’re always asking questions and trying to get better.

“The sky is the limit for the guys. I’ve got so much confidence that this team are going to achieve something special.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, the talent level is within this group to qualify for a World Cup and achieve something truly remarkable.”

A debutant in 2010, Perchard is part of a team who have consistently overachieved since the island of around 100,000 became International Cricket Council (ICC) associate members in 2007.

“It’s changed a lot,” said the veteran known by the nickname ‘Chuggy’. “We’re a lot more well-versed and well-travelled.

“We understand conditions and experiences a whole lot better. The professionalism’s gone through the roof and the training intensity has risen.

“Some of these sides we’re playing against have more registered cricketers in their country than there are people in Jersey. The level we’re consistently playing at is amazing.

“We’re not just team-mates – we’re mates as well. The group has grown up together and trained two or three times a week.

“One of the beauties of being part of a small nation is you really have to work hard for each other.”