Jersey's campaign for a third consecutive World Cricket League promotion got off to a poor start today in Singapore as they lost to Malaysia by three wickets at the Indian Association Ground.

Batting first after winning the toss, Jersey started well enough with the opening pair of Nat Watkins and Peter Gough putting on 78 before former Durham MCCU player Watkins was run out for 33. Gough was next out having scored 60, but the rest of the Jersey innings wasn't much to write home about.

Shahrulnizam Yusof took 4-32 as Jersey were restricted to just 180-9 from their 50 overs. Other than Watkins and Gough, only two other batsmen were even able to make double figures.

Malaysia's reply was built around an innings of 95 from Nasir Shafiq, who survived some early carnage as Malaysia were reduced to 49-4 early on. Shafiq would probably have gone on to score a century had he not been forced to retire hurt in the 41st over.

Malaysia hung on after his retirement to complete a three wicket win with 2.2 overs to spare. They will hope to continue their winning start to the tournament when they take on Denmark tomorrow. Jersey's match tomorrow is against Oman.