Zak Tribe hit 150, his highest score for Jersey, as the island side secured progression to the next round of qualifying for the Cricket World Cup with a record-breaking win over Papua New Guinea in Nairobi.
Jersey posted 347-5, their highest-ever total in a 50-over game. In reply, Papua New Guinea were bowled out for 175 in 36.5 overs, with Ben Ward taking 5-49 in a 172-run victory.
The result guarantees Jersey a top-two finish in ICC Challenge League A. That place secures them a spot in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier play-off in Nepal in December.
Tribe and Lawrenson build the innings
Jersey lost opener Harrison Carlyon for 18 off 19 balls after four overs. Their star batter Asa Tribe then returned to the island side. The Glamorgan and England Lions player had not featured for Jersey since last summer, and his return was difficult.
He and Josh Lawrenson added just 12 runs in the first six overs of their partnership. Asa Tribe eventually fell for 23 off 29 balls, bowled by Aue Oru with the first ball of the 13th over, leaving Jersey on 58-2.
His brother Zak Tribe replaced him at the crease. He and Lawrenson built a disciplined third-wicket stand. Zak reached his half-century off 58 balls, while Lawrenson made his 50 off 74 balls. Zak then brought up his century with a huge six off his 105th ball. The pair put on a match-defining 165 runs before John Kariko bowled Lawrenson for 72 off 95 balls.
Jenner and Tribe accelerate
Lawrenson’s departure freed Jersey to attack. Big-hitting Jonty Jenner came in and raced to a half-century off just 17 balls. He finished on 72 off 23 balls, hitting nine sixes and two fours. He and Zak Tribe added 113 runs for the fourth wicket in just 6.4 overs.
Zak Tribe went on to hit five sixes and 11 fours, ending unbeaten on 150 off 129 balls. His score is surpassed only by his brother Asa’s 175 against Qatar last summer.
Papua New Guinea’s innings collapses
Carlyon struck in the first over of the reply, dismissing Doko Rupa for a duck to leave Papua New Guinea on 3-1. Sese Bau and Lega Siaka then added 46 for the second wicket. George Richardson removed Bau for 22, and his side moved on to 48-2 from 10 overs.
Ward then dismantled the middle order. He claimed Siaka for 39, followed by Patrick Nou for 14 and captain Assad Vala for four, reducing Papua New Guinea to 86-5 in 19.2 overs. He took two more wickets to make it 101-8 in 24.2 overs.
Kabis Morea and Alei Nao offered stubborn resistance for the ninth wicket, adding 64 runs. Charles Perchard ended Nao’s stand, bowling him for 32. Morea made 40 before Lawrenson trapped him lbw, and Papua New Guinea were all out for 175 in 36.5 overs.