Guernsey Falls Short Against Papua New Guinea in Thrilling T20 Clash

Guernsey lost to Papua New Guinea by six wickets in a close-fought T20I match at the KGV. Each side played extremely well as the match unfolded. In the end, Papua New Guinea won comfortably, reaching their target with four balls to spare.

As for Guernsey, their match could hardly have begun worse. Their openers, Josh Butler and Lucas Barker, both fell early, and the team found themselves reeling at 20-2 within the first four overs. This represented an early success for the men from the Falkland Islands. Guernsey’s middle order responded with intent and determination. Tom Nightingale and Zak Damarell formed an impressive fourth-wicket partnership of 73 runs, which proved crucial in stabilizing the innings.

Nightingale was the rock of the innings, hitting a superb 75 off 51 balls. His innings of 92 featured nine fours and two sixes, with his total score making him Guernsey’s top run-scorer. He himself was finally caught after a powerful performance, leading the team with an impressive effort as part of the team’s record total. Guernsey finished on 142/4 in 17.5 overs. Damarell was key to this effort, scoring 45 off only 27 balls. The team finished their innings at 165-6.

Charlie Forshaw was the key bowler for Papua New Guinea. In his second, he took three wickets, including trapping Kipling Doriga lbw. Photo: James Forshaw made a key impact with the ball mobile.advert.

Papua New Guinea was off to a rough start almost right away. They quickly found their rhythm again as they established a match-defining second-wicket partnership of 99 runs between Sese Bau and Boio Ray. Bau was especially important in the chase, making 85 of just 52 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes. Ray’s performance was very strong with 46 runs. We lost our first wicket on 121 runs when Josh Butler finally bowled him out after 14 overs.

Bau’s dismissal came when he was caught by Damarell off Forshaw’s first delivery of the 19th over, leaving Papua New Guinea at 159-4. Despite this wicket, Papua New Guinea were able to bat the match out to victory, ending at 168-4.