Habib Khan Stars with All-Round Performance as Estonia Edges Malta by 5 Wickets
PORT SOIF — Estonia secured a nail-biting 5-wicket win against Malta in the ICC T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier, held at the Guernsey Rovers Athletic Club Ground. Habib Khan’s all-round heroics guided Estonia to victory as they chased down Malta’s target of 133 with 7 balls to spare.
Malta, after opting to bat, struggled to build momentum throughout their innings, finishing at 132/8 in their 20 overs. Zeeshan Khan (26 off 31) and Jaswinder Singh (23* off 14) provided some resistance, but it was the disciplined bowling of Estonia, led by Habib Khan (1/29) and Kalle Vislapuu (2/11), that kept Malta under pressure.
In response, Estonia’s chase was anchored by Habib Khan, who scored a crucial 45 off 34 balls. Despite a late wobble, Estonia held their nerve, with Bilal Masud’s unbeaten 25 off 17 balls ensuring they crossed the finish line at 135/5 in 18.5 overs.
Malta Innings:
Malta struggled to find their footing, losing wickets at regular intervals. Zeeshan Khan top-scored with 26, but tight bowling from Estonia’s Habib Khan and Kalle Vislapuu restricted them to 132/8.
Estonia Innings:
Estonia’s innings was driven by Habib Khan’s steady 45, with valuable contributions from Steffan Gooch (25) and Bilal Masud (25*). Despite some late drama, Estonia reached the target in the 19th over.
Key Moments:
- Habib Khan’s All-Round Performance: Khan was pivotal in both innings, taking a key wicket during Malta’s innings and then scoring a match-winning 45 in the chase.
- Kalle Vislapuu’s Economical Spell: Vislapuu’s 2/11 in just two overs set the tone for Estonia’s bowling performance.
Brief Scores:
Malta: 132/8 in 20 overs (Zeeshan Khan 26, Jaswinder Singh 23*; Kalle Vislapuu 2/11, Habib Khan 1/29)
Estonia: 135/5 in 18.5 overs (Habib Khan 45, Bilal Masud 25*; Eldhose Mathew 2/16, Justin Shaju 2/31)
Result: Estonia beat Malta by 5 wickets.
Player of the Match: Habib Khan (Estonia) – 45 off 34 balls & 1/29 in 4 overs.
