Max Stokoe hit a run-a-ball 59 against Portugal

The Isle of Man have reached the semi-finals of the ICC European Division Two competition after winning all four of their Group A matches.

The Manx side completed their group matches with a hard fought nine-run victory over Portugal on Thursday.

Gareth Dawson's side had already beaten Luxembourg, Cyprus and Finland and will now face Austria in the last four.

The second semi-final will see the hosts Belgium, who are also unbeaten, take on Portugal.

The eventual winner of the competition will qualify for the Division One tournament in the Channel Islands later this year.

In the island's game against Portugal, opener Gareth Morris went early for just four runs, and when Oliver Webster followed soon after, an upset looked a distinct possibility.

Max Stokoe however held firm, and he made a run a ball 59 to help the Isle of Man to 142-8 from their 20 overs.

In reply, Portugal made a slow start and looked to have no chance when the run rate climbed to above double figures.

That changed however when Zafar Ali came to the crease and smashed five sixes and a four as he raced to 38 from just 17 balls, before falling to Jaco Jansen.

Daniel Hawke was the pick of the Manx bowlers with 3-20 and Arne van Den Berg 2-19 as Portugal fell just nine runs short of their target.

Isle of Man: R Kniveton (capt), Danny Kniveton, Ross Berry, Max Stokoe, Dan Hawke, Jaco Jansen, Chris Hawke, Akkie van der Berg, Ross Berry, Peter Lewis, Gareth Roome, Gareth Morris, Seb Aycock, Ollie Webster, Shaun Kelly.

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