Jersey sweep Uganda warm-ups to tee up Kenya decider
Jersey head to Kenya with momentum after beating Uganda 'A' twice in two days in Entebbe.
The island side used the trip as a final warm-up for the decisive leg of ICC Challenge League A, which sits on the long road to the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Both games were 50-over contests, with each team allowed a maximum of 300 balls per innings, at the Entebbe Cricket Oval BBC Sport.
The opener, played on 17 October, was affected by rain. Uganda 'A' were bowled out for 118 in 33 overs. Ben Ward led the attack with 3 for 20, while Josh Lawrenson took 2 for 17.
Jersey chased it down with ease. They reached 121 for 1 in 27 overs to win by nine wickets, a margin that means they lost only one batter in the chase. Harrison Carlyon made 59 from 78 balls and Lawrenson finished unbeaten on 52.
The second game, on 18 October, was a tougher test. Jersey batted first and posted 193 for 9 from their full 50 overs. Carlyon again top-scored with 49, backed by Jonty Jenner with 44.
Uganda 'A' replied with 143 all out in 41.3 overs. Ward was the difference again with 5 for 17 from 9.3 overs, and Toby Britton added 2 for 27. The 59-run win sealed a clean sweep.
What makes this stand out is the shape of the performances. Ward took eight wickets across the two games. Carlyon passed 40 in both innings. Lawrenson contributed with ball and bat on the same day in the opener.
For fans, this means Jersey arrive in Kenya in working order. They need two wins to stay in contention for the next stage of World Cup qualifying, and must finish in the top two to reach the 2026 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off in Nepal in December BBC Sport.
They open against third-placed Papua New Guinea on Thursday before facing hosts Kenya on Sunday. Two wins from a short, sharp week. Nothing is decided yet, but Jersey could hardly have asked for a cleaner rehearsal.
