A packed few weeks for international cricket in Europe continued today as the Valetta Cup began in Malta. Six teams will compete in round-robin action followed by placing play-offs on the final day with the hosts joined by Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Gibraltar, Hungary and Romania.

Just three of those teams were in action today with the hosts, Gibraltar and Hungary all playing each other.

The day began with the home team taking on Gibraltar, the latter batting first after they were put in. Captain Balaji Pai top scored with 42 as his team scored 132-6 from their 20 overs. Malta will have done wonders for their net run rate at this early stage by chasing down their target in 16.5 overs to win by 5 wickets. Bikram Arora and Basil George both scored 36.

In their second game of the day, against Hungary, Bikram Arora and Basil George again both made the same score, this time scoring 60 as the hosts racked up 206-7 from their 20 overs. Hungary's reply was highlighted by Harsh Mandhyan's 41 from 25 and Khaibar Deldar's 40 from 28, but they fell short at 161-6, losing by 45 runs.

The day ended with Gibraltar batting first against Hungary. None of their batters were able to make any significant contributions beyond twin 24s from Kieron Ferrary and Andrew Reyes. All seven Hungarian bowlers took wickets as they kept Gibraltar to 137-8. Hungary chased down the target in 18.4 overs to win by 4 wickets, Harsh Mandhyan again top scoring with 29.

All six team will be in action tomorrow. The day will open with the hosts taking on Romania, followed by Gibraltar playing the Czech Republic. The final match of day two will be between Bulgaria and Hungary.