Switzerland vs Malta, ICCT20_WCESRQA, Today Match Prediction

SUI vs MLTA Match Prediction & Analysis

The Malta and Swiss national cricket team will lock horns in the Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Qualifier 7th place play-off game on Saturday, 23rd May. The venue for this match is Happy Valley Ground 2 and the scheduled start time is 13:00 IST. 

Malta are coming off two consecutive victories in the competition, while Switzerland head into the contest with a narrow defeat to France. Both teams would eye a 7th place finish in the qualifiers.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Switzerland Preview

Switzerland failed to make a mark in their final game of the group stage round. They lost to France by 8 runs while chasing 150 runs. It allowed France to take second spot in the group. They lost to Jersey by nine wickets in the opening game where they were bowled out for 73 runs. 

Switzerland then lost to Croatia where they failed to chase 200 runs. Their only win came against Cyprus. 

The Swiss national team have their own issues with the bat. Bowling looked decent and it gave them a chance against France. 

Malayar Stanikzai could be a player to watch out for. We back him to score under 25 runs and pick one wicket at least. He picked a three-wicket haul for just 7 runs in the only win of the group stage.

Switzerland Predicted Playing XI:

Harrison Carlyon, Patrick Gouge, Nick Greenwood, Charles Perchard, Benjamin Ward, Charlie Brennan, Daniel Birrell, Dominic Blampied, Jonty Jenner, Julius Sumerauer, Zak Tribe

Malta Preview

Malta head into the contest with a comprehensive victory against Slovenia. They are coming off a nine-wicket victory. They bowled out the opposition on 68 runs and chased down the total in 5.3 overs. 

Meanwhile, they had an inconsistent run in the Sub Regional Qualifiers. Earlier, they defeated Sweden in a high-scoring game. 

Malta lost the first two games with ease. In the opening game, they lost to Austria where they failed to defend 140. Later, Guernsey outplayed them by 6 wickets where they were bowled out for 74 runs. 

Muhammad Qasim could also be a player to watch out for. We back him to score over 30 runs in the upcoming game. Malta would take on Switzerland in the 7th place playoff game. 

Malta Predicted Playing XI:

Z Khan, P Pushparajan, F Zahra, M Ali, M Qasim, S Patel, J Singh, I Ameer, A Soman, J Singh, M Ajmal

Weather Conditions

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Episkopi, Cyprus will be clear with a high of 23°C and a low of 17°C, along with a 20% chance of rain and north winds at 19 kph. 

SUI vs MLTA Pitch Report

The Valley Ground is a good surface to bat on. We can expect a high scoring game. Malta’s previous chase showed an important factor about this ground. The track gives acceleration due to the quick outfield. Considering the ongoing behavior, the average score on this surface is 170 runs. Anything above 170 runs would be a challenging total to defend. 

Score prediction: 

If Switzerland bat first - 150-160 runs
If Malta bat first - 170-180 runs 

Toss: To Bowl

Chasing sides have gained extra advantage on this track. Malta chased down 180-plus total in the last game. The surface is a batting paradise. Early new ball will help pacers to take maximum advantage. We are expecting a high-scoring encounter with the chasing side having a fair advantage. Captains should opt for field first on this ground after winning the toss. 

Toss Prediction: Malta to win the coin toss.