Guernsey’s hopes of reaching the final of their 2026 T20 World Cup qualifier suffered a blow after a surprise four-point loss to Finland.

In a game shortened to 13 overs a side after rain, Guernsey sent the Finns in to bat and bowled them out for just 90 in 12.4 overs, with Martin Dale Bradley taking 3-11 and Luke Bichard 3-15.

But the hosts’ batters struggled to beat them and reduced their deficit to 36-6 after 7.2 overs. Opener Josh Butler (21) was the only player in the Islanders’ top five to score in double figures.

Ollie Nightingale and Luke Bichard combined for 21 for the seventh wicket before Bichard was caught and bowled for eight after 10.2 overs.

Nightingale made 32 before being taken out with a ball to spare as the Islanders scored 86 in 12.5 overs.

The bottom-placed Guernsey could not score the required runs as no other player managed more than seven runs in Port Soif.

Hosts Guernsey began their campaign with an impressive eight-wicket win over Bulgaria on Wednesday before defeating Malta by the same scoreline on Thursday.

The Sarnians will face Estonia in their final group match on Sunday knowing they must win if they are to finish first in their five-team group.

The team that finishes first will play the best team from the tournament’s other group on Wednesday for the final spot in next year’s European regional final.

Scotland, the Netherlands, Italy and Jersey have already progressed, with the top two teams in the tournament qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup.