Guernsey and Italy have secured their places in the next stage of qualification for the 2024 men’s Under-19 World Cup after wins in today’s semi-finals.

Hosts Guernsey won the toss and chose to bowl first in their match against Norway at KGV. Ans Ahmed top scored for the Norwegians with an unbeaten 60 but there was only one other double digit score as they were bowled out for 168, Maxwell Johnson taking 4-19.

Guernsey lost their in-form opening pair of Fintan Ridgwick and Charles Birch early on as the Norway bowlers took control in the early overs. Chaudhary Akram removed four of the first six wickets to fall as Guernsey were reduced to 57-6.

Joseph Marshall (28) led the recovery at first before the ninth wicket pairing of Maxwell Johnson and Charlie Forshaw put on an unbroken 43 to secure a two wicket win and a place in next year’s Division One tournament.

The Isle of Man lost yesterday’s centurion Dollin Jansen in their first over and never really recovered from there, despite Luke Ward’s 43. They were bowled out for 132 by Italy, Gurpreet Singh taking 5-20 and Achintha Warnakulasuriya taking 4-35.

Sadev Pathirage top scored in the Italian run chase with 34 from 22 balls as they completed a five wicket win in 25.2 overs to secure their spot in Division One.

Guernsey and Italy will play in the final on Thursday, but more importantly will join Jersey, Netherlands and Scotland in next year’s Division One tournament from which the winners will qualify for the 2024 Under-19 World Cup. The winner of Thursday’s third place match between Norway and Isle of Man will join them.

In the fifth place semi-finals today Sweden beat Germany by six wickets and Denmark won their game against France by five wickets.