Tournament favourites Afghanistan, Nepal and USA enjoyed comprehensive victories on the opening day of the ICC World Cricket League Division 5.

Afghanistan overcame an early scare against Japan to win by 93 runs, Nepal thrashed Germany by seven wickets and the USA beat Mozambique by nine wickets.

And hosts Jersey also enjoyed opening day success, with Norway and Botswana the other victors on an absorbing day's cricket played out in bright sunshine.

Batting first against Japan, Afghanistan had looked very comfortable at 137-3, with 47 from opener Karim Khan Sedeq.

But Afghanistan was grateful for a 10th wicket stand of 33 to help them reach 179 all out, after a dramatic collapse had reduced them to 146-9, with Takuro Hagihara the hero with 5-25.

Going into the tournament, much was talked about the strength of the Afghanistan bowling attack and with the pressure on them they delivered the goods with Hasti Gul Abed bowling an outstanding spell of 3-22

Afghanistan coach Taj Malik was very pleased with his side's win and admitted he never thought victory was in doubt at the mid-innings interval, even after only posting a modest total.

"We discussed with the guys these pitches would really suit the fast bowlers so if Japan can get Afghanistan out for 180 then we should be able to get Japan out for less than 100 and similar things happened thanks to the fielders and bowlers" said Malik.

Opening bowler Hasti Gul took 3-22 as Japan struggled against some good quality fast bowling and struggled to 86 all out.

Nepal, whose side contains many of the players who have performed so well at recent ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup tournaments, were in excellent form as they defeated Germany by 7 wickets.

Skipper Binod Kumar Das, who bowled an excellent opening spell, was delighted with the efforts of his team.

He said: "I am very happy for my team because it was very important for us to get a good start in this tournament which we did. We did well with the ball initially.

"I think we could have batted better but a win is a win and I am happy it came so comfortably."

Only Asif Khan, who made 22, contributed with the bat as Germany struggled to 69 all out off 39.5 overs.

Opening bowler Mahaboob Alam took 3-24 in his ten over spell, while 25-year-old spinner Sanjam Regmi claimed fantastic figures of 3-4 which helped him win the Man of the Match Award.

In reply, although Nepal lost regular wickets they never looked in any trouble at all as they cruised to their target with 30.4 overs to spare with opener Mahesh Chhetri unbeaten on 23*.

At Farmers Field, the USA overcame a spirited Mozambique side by nine wickets, with the USA reaching their target of 149 with 21.4 overs to spare with Sushil Nadkarni scoring 70*.

Captain Steve Messiah was pleased with their start to the event, especially considering the USA has been out of the international arena for so long.

"It's the start we were looking for. We have been out of international cricket for a couple of years now and we are looking forward to moving from strength to strength" said Messiah.

"Every game is a big game for us if we are going to try and qualify for 2011. This is where it all begins for us."

Opening batsman Peter Gough captured the Man of the Match Award for Jersey as the hosts defeated Singapore by 93 runs.

Gough made an excellent 69, including seven boundaries, before a mid order collapse threatened to undo all his hard work.

In reply to Jersey's total of 189 all out, 4-12 from Tony Carlyon was the leading bowler in an excellent display as Singapore stumbled to 96 all out.

Shahid Ahmed was the only centurion of the day with a brilliant 133* for Norway as they posted a mammoth total of 360-3 against Vanuatu.

Although Vanuatu put up a brave response they were eventually bowled out for 177 with Shahid Ahmed the pick of the bowlers with 3-11.

And finally Botswana was the other victors during the day by 70 runs as they bowled out the Bahamas for 135.