Old Victorians get win in European final opener

Jersey champions Old Victorians began their European Cricket League finals campaign with a seven-wicket win over reigning champions Dreux.

In reply Old Victorians reached their target of 126-3 as Jamie Watling hit a 20-ball 60 not out.

OVs will face Italian side Jinnah Brescia in their second group game on Tuesday.

OVs made the finals after three impressive victories in the knockout stages of their group after a third-placed finish two weeks ago.

Batting first Sumerauer claimed the wicket of Dreux opener and captain Ahmad Nabi for a duck before fellow opener Hamza Niaz made 26 off nine balls before being caught to leave the French side 41-2 in the fourth over.

Mohammad Nisar and Muhammad Rafah came together to put on 65 for the third wicket before Rafah was run out for 21 and Nisah was caught for 54 two balls later to leave Dreux on 111-4 with two overs left.

The islanders did well to keep the score down as Jersey international Sumerauer – one of two wildcard players for Old Victorians – conceded just four runs of the final over.

The fast bowler, who players for OV’s rivals Farmers in Jersey – also took two wickets in the final over to leave Dreux on 122-7.

In reply Jonty Jenner was caught off the very first ball before Sumerauer and Jamie Watling came together for a second-wicket stand of 53 before the former was stumped for 29 off eight balls as he hit four sixes.

Watling, who was dropped on five, went on to hit five sixes and six fours in his 60 not out as skipper James Duckett made 16 not out.