Jersey are third in the five-team round robin group going into the final round of matches, having lost to Netherlands, beaten Guernsey and had their game with Italy rained off.
Victory over Scotland would ensure qualification should pool leaders Italy go on to beat hosts Netherlands later on Friday.
It would be an even greater shock as Jersey’s team are all part-time apart from Jersey born professionals Asa Tribe, who plays county cricket for Glamorgan and Wellington’s Nick Greenwood.
Scotland and Netherlands are both mainly professional sides while the Italians have been bolstered by a policy of bringing in cricketers with Italian heritage such as former Australia Test player Joe Burns, Harry and Ben Mananti, who have played for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, and Durham’s Emilio Gay.
“When we get out there on the field it’s a one-ball game and it doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or not, it’s all about executing your skills as best as possible,” says Perchard.
“Obviously them being a professional outfit does help them, but we’ve got immense pride and camaraderie as a unit that a lot of these other teams don’t have, and that helps to bridge the gap massively.”
The islanders are playing in the final qualifying stages for a T20 World Cup for the fifth time, having reached the penultimate stage for the 2023 50-over World Cup two years ago.
Jersey beat Italy to earn international status 20 years ago, and Jenner has no problems with countries bringing in players if it improves the sport.
“Italy are trying to just spread the game,” he says.
“It would be pretty cool if Italy goes through and we go through to not have Scotland and Netherlands there, who were the top two teams.
“These guys that come in and play probably more towards the end of their careers, are still trying to play and spread the game.
“So it’s frustrating for us because we can’t do it to the same extent as them, but you play the ball rather than anybody on their reputation”
