Malta Cricket beat Switzerland to lift Valletta Cup at Marsa Oval

The Malta Cricket national team were victorious at the Marsa Oval last weekend after defeating Switzerland in the final.

The team skippered by Bikram Aroma had started their campaign in style after they defeated Gibraltar 61 runs in their opener.

Next up for Malta was a match against the Swiss in the group stages and it was Switzerland who prevailed in a tight encounter by a mere eight runs.

In fact, Switzerland managed to compile a competitive score of 150 runs for nine, with Asad Mahmood top-scoring for the Swiss with 33 runs.

That left the Maltese chasing 151 runs to secure victory. The home side came agonisingly close but could only manage 143 runs with Muhammad Bilal leading their run scorers with 35.

But it was Switzerland who prevailed by eight runs.

In the third match, Malta needed to beat Bulgaria to seal their place in the tournament final against Switzerland.

The Bulgarians won the toss and chose to bat. They managed to score 150 runs for nine with Omar Rasool hitting 63 runs.

Facing another run-chase of 151 runs, the Maltese despite kept their composure to reach the objective with six wickets to spare. Basil George was Malta’s leading scorer with 41 runs.

In the final against Switzerland, Malta were looking for revenge after their group match defeat. They won the toss and opted to bat.

The Maltese were in fine form as inspired by captain Arora, who compiled a score of 41, and Nhiraj Khanna 37, they ended their innings on 176 for seven.

That left Switzerland needing 177 to take the trophy.

But this time, Malta’s fielders did the job as they just managed to hold off the Swiss who could only manage 171 runs for eight to leave the Maltese winners by six runs.