Jersey batter Patrick Gouge says the islanders are growing in confidence despite succumbing to a five-wicket defeat by Nepal in a rain-affected one-day match.
Gouge made 95, his highest score for the island, on the way to Jersey’s 282-6 from their 50 overs against a side who are 17th in the ICC world rankings.
In reply, Nepal had reached 251-5 before rain stopped play at the end of the 46th over and the visitors were eventually given the win via the DLS method.
Jersey now move on to face the United Arab Emirates – 19th in the ICC world rankings – in a two-match 50-over series on Monday, 27 July and Wednesday, 29 July.
“There’s a lot of confidence and growing depth within the group,” Gouge told BBC Radio Jersey.
“We’ve got a nice wider squad so there’s people that can come in from the sidelines and equally do well.
“It’s nice to have depth and be able to keep the train running.”
It was a stark improvement from the first of Jersey’s two games against Nepal, in which they at one stage fell to 59-8 before going on to be bowled all out for 169to lose by 81 runs. Charlie Brennan ended the match 82 not out.
“Every time we play quality opposition, opposition that are ranked higher than you, it’s always great to test yourself. Hopefully we keep improving,” Gouge added.
“We’re quite lucky we’ve got a lot of all-rounders and a lot of bowling options which especially in white ball really helps.
“It was very similar to a game when we played against Denmark where Josh [Lawrenson] and Greeny [Nick Greenwood] set it up and Zack [Tribe] and Jonty [Jenner] came in and put the hammer down.
“We’ve got batting all the way down.”
