By News Editor 
In the first T20I of the Serbia tour of Gibraltar, held at the Europa Sports Complex, Gibraltar comfortably chased down a modest target of 106 set by Serbia to win by 7 wickets, with 37 balls to spare. Louis Bruce, Gibraltar’s standout player, showcased an impressive all-round performance, contributing both with the bat and the ball, which earned him the Player of the Match award.
Serbia struggled to build any significant partnerships after electing to bat first. Their innings was marked by regular wickets falling at crucial moments, and despite a resilient knock from Vukasin Zimonjic, who scored 34 off 30 balls, Serbia could only muster 105/9 in 19 overs. Gibraltar, in response, chased down the target with ease, led by an impactful knock from captain Iain Latin.
Key Highlights:
- Louis Bruce’s All-Round Masterclass: Bruce not only played a crucial role with the bat, scoring a steady 21 off 23 balls, but also impressed with the ball, taking 2/13 in his four-over spell, dismantling Serbia’s middle order.
- Serbia’s Batting Collapse: Serbia’s batting never gained momentum as they struggled to keep partnerships intact. Leslie Dunbar added 21 off 27 balls, while Vukasin Zimonjic top-scored with 34 off 30, but their efforts were in vain as the rest of the batting order faltered.
- Gibraltar’s Efficient Chase: Gibraltar, chasing a modest total of 106, started positively with Kayron Stagno‘s quickfire 22 off 13 balls, while Chris Pyle added a steady 23 off 21 balls. Captain Iain Latin‘s unbeaten 29 off 18 balls, including two sixes, sealed the win comfortably.
- Avinash Pai’s Economic Spell: Gibraltar’s bowler Avinash Pai was clinical, taking 2/16 in his four overs, helping restrict Serbia to a below-par total.
- Serbia’s Bowling Struggles: Serbia’s bowlers, led by Vukasin Zimonjic with 2/28 in four overs, tried to put pressure on Gibraltar but lacked enough runs to defend. Wintley Burton also chipped in with a wicket, but it wasn’t enough to turn the match in Serbia’s favor.
Brief Scores:
Serbia: 105/9 in 19 overs (Vukasin Zimonjic 34, Leslie Dunbar 21; Louis Bruce 2/13, Avinash Pai 2/16)
Gibraltar: 107/3 in 13.5 overs (Iain Latin 29*, Chris Pyle 23; Vukasin Zimonjic 2/28)
Result: Gibraltar won by 7 wickets (with 37 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Louis Bruce (Gibraltar) – 21 off 23 & 2/13
Gibraltar’s all-round performance, led by the brilliance of Louis Bruce, allowed them to start the two-match series on a strong note. Serbia will look to bounce back in the second T20I, but they will need to address their batting woes to level the series. Gibraltar, on the other hand, will aim to continue their winning momentum and seal the series.