Semi serious

A prestigious cricket competition got down to its business end this afternoon with the semi-final stage to decide who would move on to greater glory this weekend. Yes, it was the last four of the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 and Afghanistan and Jersey won bragging rights by beating Nepal and the USA.

Not only do the Afghans and the Jerseyites get to play tomorrow for the prestigious Div 5 title, but they also both earn promotion to Division 4, where they will play Hong Kong, Fiji, Italy and Tanzania in October in the second stage of qualifying for the 2011 World Cup. England had better send scouts (or girl guides, I'm not sexist) to check on the form of their possible opponents.

Much as I'd have loved to have seen a US vs Afghanistan final (what a political hoot that would be), the Americans were well beaten by Jersey. Chasing 221 to win, they were bowled out in the 39th over for 136. Meanwhile, Afghanistan were already celebrating their victory over Nepal, the strong favourites in this event. Having been dismissed for just 142, Afghanistan's bowlers then did the job on Nepal, bowling them out for 105.

In the semi-finals of another competition a few time zones away, Rajasthan Royals qualified for Sunday's big pow-wow by destroying Delhi Daredevils. Shane Watson hit a fifty in next to no time as the Royals reached 192 and then Watson picked up three wickets with his bowling to send the Daredevils spiralling towards 87 all out. So well done to Rajasthan, but did they get a nice cream tea afterwards to celebrate as Jersey no doubt did?