MLT vs BEL: Fan2Play Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing 11, Pitch Report and Injury Update for 1st and 2nd T20I

Match Details

On Thursday (July 8), Malta will take on Belgium in the first two games of the 5-match T20I series. Both encounters will take place at the Marsa Sports Complex in Malta.

While the opening clash will get underway at 1:00 PM IST, the second game has a start time of 6:00 PM IST. Fans can switch to European Cricket Network for the live action.

Preview

Hosts Malta are currently ranked 58th in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings and they would be determined to go up in the order. Their last outing in T20 internationals came against September last year. Hence, coming together as a unit would be a challenge for the side. Nevertheless, they hold the home advantage and must back themselves to cross the line.

On the other hand, Belgium are holding the 43rd position in the T20I ranking. Their last outing in T20Is was a tri-series in August last year where they defeated Luxembourg and Czech Republic. Although they would like to win another series, lack of match practice could cost them. Hence, it would be interesting to see how they perform in the initial games.

Probable Playing XIs for MLT vs BEL:

Malta

Gopal Chaturvedi, Heinrich Gericke, Samuel Stanislaus, Varun Prasath Thamotharam, Haroon Mughal, Ravinder Singh, Amar Sharma, Samuel Aquilina (C & WK), Washeem Abbas, Noshair Akhter, Sujesh Appu

Belgium

Muhammad Muneeb, Sazzad Hosen, Sherul Mehta (WK), Wahidullah Usmani, Shaheryar Butt (C), Saber Zakhil, Mamoon Latif, Khalid Ahmadi, Murid Ekrani, Ashiqullah Said, Nemish Mehta

Captaincy Picks for MLT vs BEL:

VP Thamotharam

The all-rounder was in top-notch in European Cricket Series competitions lately and would like to continue his sensational form. Thamotharam can play the anchor role and his ability to clear the ropes with ease makes him even more lethal. If that’s not enough, he can also contribute with the ball in hand.

Heinrich Gericke

Another player who can shine in this contest is Malta dasher Heinrich Gericke. The 41-year-old batter has played 3 T20Is and managed to score 114 runs in 2 innings, with his highest score being 91. Gericke has also done reasonably well in ECS competitions lately and the visitors must find a way to keep the swashbuckler quiet.

Fan2Play Fantasy Cricket Tips

2-Player Team

Heinrich Gericke (C), Ashiqullah Said

3-Player Team

Varun Prasath Thamotharam (C), Shaheryar Butt, Amar Sharma

4-Player Team

Samuel Stanislaus (C), Wahidullah Usmani, Amar Sharma, Ashiqullah Said

11-Player Team

Heinrich Gericke (VC), Shaheryar Butt, Wahidullah Usmani, Haroon Mughal, Samuel Stanislaus, Saber Zakhil, Sazzad Hosen, Varun Prasath Thamotharam (C), Ashiqullah Said, Noshair Akhter, Amar Sharma

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.