JERSEY, playing in a global qualifier for the first time, produced the surprise of the Twenty20 qualifiers so far with a composed win over Hong Kong in Bready.
The Channel Islanders, coached by former Scotland and Aberdeenshire batsman Neil MacRae, had been written off in some quarters after heavy defeats in their warm-up matches.
However, they produced a performance of flair and maturity to surprise a side who themselves created a major shock by beating Bangladesh at last year's T20 World Cup.
Chasing a challenging 154 for victory, Jersey's openers put the tournament rookies in control with a superb stand of 112 in 12.4 overs.
Ed Farley led the way with a hard-hitting 57 from 35 balls featuring four sweetly timed maximums.
Captain Peter Gough then saw his side over the line with 81 not out including 10 boundaries as Jersey won with 16 balls and nine wickets
to spare.
Ben Stevens was earlier the pick of the bowlers with 2-22 while Anthony Kay conceded just 19 runs from his four overs, Anshuman Rath anchoring the Hong Kong innings with 43.
MacRae said: "I'd say this is the greatest win in Jersey's history.
"I thought we were fantastic in all departments and Peter Gough led from the front in the biggest game we've ever played.
"We've announced ourselves in the competition."
Elsewhere in Group A, only 7.4 overs were possible at Stormont, Namibia reaching 61-1 before their clash with Nepal was abandoned as No Result.
In Scotland's group, Kenya continued their winning start to the competition with a hard-fought success against Oman at Myreside.
The Kenyans were indebted to Collins Obuya for his 50 in a total of 143-7 as three Oman bowlers claimed two wickets.
Shem Ngoche's slow left-armers then claimed 3-25 though the underdogs went down fighting before falling just seven runs short.
Kenya share the top spot with Afghanistan in Group B, making Scotland's next two games against the pair crucial.
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