Port Soif, August 21, 2024: Finland secured a comfortable 9-wicket win over Malta in the 4th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier Group C at Guernsey Rovers Athletic Club Ground. Nicholas Salonen’s brilliant all-round performance guided Finland to an emphatic victory with 32 balls to spare.
Match Report:
Malta Innings: After electing to bat first, Malta struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Finnish bowling attack. Jaspal Singh was the top scorer with a fighting 46 off 32 balls, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Rockey Dianish added 19 off 23 balls, but no other Maltese batter managed to make a significant contribution. Nicholas Salonen was the standout bowler for Finland, claiming 3/20 in his 4 overs. Mahesh Tambe also impressed, picking up 2/16 in his 4 overs. Malta could only muster 117/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Finland Innings: Chasing a modest target of 118, Finland got off to a strong start thanks to openers Ghulam Abbas Butt and Vanraaj Padhaal. Ghulam Abbas Butt scored a brisk 44 off 25 balls, while Vanraaj Padhaal anchored the chase with an unbeaten 42 off 38 balls. The pair’s solid partnership set the tone for the chase, and despite losing Butt, Finland cruised to victory in 14.4 overs with 9 wickets in hand. Bikram Arora took the lone wicket for Malta, finishing with figures of 1/26.
Key Performances:
- Nicholas Salonen (Finland): 3/20 in 4 overs, instrumental in restricting Malta to a low total.
- Ghulam Abbas Butt (Finland): 44 off 25 balls, provided a strong start to the chase.
- Vanraaj Padhaal (Finland): 42* off 38 balls, ensured a smooth run chase for Finland.
Brief Scores:
- Malta: 117/9 in 20 overs (Jaspal Singh 46, Nicholas Salonen 3/20)
- Finland: 118/1 in 14.4 overs (Ghulam Abbas Butt 44, Vanraaj Padhaal 42*)
Result: Finland won by 9 wickets (with 32 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Nicholas Salonen due to his brilliant bowling spell of 3 for 20.
Finland’s comprehensive performance with both bat and ball secured them a dominant 9-wicket victory, marking a strong start in the Europe Qualifier. Malta will need to bounce back quickly to stay competitive in the tournament.
