Cricket Match Highlights | Estonia tour of Malta, 2025 (3rd T20I) – 07 May: Malta vs Estonia | The fireworks of Priyan Pushparajan ignite Malta’s decisive victory over Estonia

MLT vs EST (3^rd T20I) – Highlights

In a scintillating display of all-round brilliance, Priyan Pushparajan orchestrated one of the most dominant performances in Malta’s T20I history as they thrashed Estonia by a mammoth 101 runs in the third T20I at Marsa on May 7, 2025. The charismatic all-rounder’s blistering 103 off just 40 deliveries and his incisive spell of 2 wickets for 2 runs dismantled Estonia’s aspirations in a contest that epitomized Malta’s ascendancy in associate cricket. His innings, punctuated by eight boundaries and an equal number of towering sixes, was a masterclass in calculated aggression and timing. With an astonishing strike rate 257.50, Pushparajan not only accelerated the run rate but also demoralized the Estonian bowling unit, which appeared bereft of answers.

Opting to bat first, Malta set the tone with Rockey Dianish laying a solid foundation, compiling a fluent 58 from 35 balls, embellished with six fours and three maximums. However, it was the arrival of Pushparajan that transformed the innings from respectable to resplendent. His partnerships through the middle overs accelerated the scoring rate exponentially, particularly after the early loss of Imran Ameer for a golden duck. Contributions from captain Varun Thamotharam and late cameos by Eldhose Mathew and Shrijay Patel ensured that Malta posted an imposing total of 229/8—an intimidating score even by the most liberal standards of modern T20 cricket.

Estonia’s response never gathered momentum. Despite a fleeting counterattack by Steffan Gooch, whose 43 from 22 balls momentarily offered hope, the rest of the batting lineup capitulated under sustained pressure. The collapse was catalyzed by David Marks and Jaswinder Singh, who snared two wickets apiece while maintaining commendable economy rates. Pushparajan, having wreaked havoc with the bat, returned with the ball to deliver a crushing blow, removing Marko Vaik and Kalle Vislapuu in the same over with surgical precision. His spell underscored his versatility and cricketing acumen, leaving Estonia dazed and decimated.

Estonia’s innings fizzled out at 128 in just 15.4 overs, highlighting the gulf in quality and tactical nous. Their innings was marred by a series of soft dismissals and questionable running between the wickets, reflecting a side that lacked cohesion and composure. Despite a valiant 48 from Rupam Baruah, the Estonian effort proved insufficient against a clinical Maltese unit.

This emphatic win not only clinched the series for Malta but also sent a resounding message about their growing prowess on the international associate stage. The performance will be remembered as a career-defining outing for Priyan Pushparajan, whose extraordinary blend of power-hitting and disciplined bowling etched his name indelibly into Maltese cricket folklore. As Malta continues to refine its cricketing blueprint, performances like these fortify its ambitions of ascending further in the T20I rankings. Estonia, on the other hand, will need to introspect and recalibrate its strategies if it aspires to remain competitive in the evolving associate circuit.

Malta vs Estonia Scoreboard

Malta – 229/8 (20.0)

Estonia  – 128/10 (15.4)

Result – Malta won by 101 runs

Player of the match – Priyan Pushparajan

Priyan Pushparajan

MLT vs EST Playing XIs

Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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