After just two days of play in the first of three European sub-regional events we already know the identity of the four semi-finalists with one round of group stage matches still to play.

In Group 1 this morning, Denmark booked their semi-final ticket with a thumping win over Gibraltar. Batting first they recovered from 11-2 thanks to a 149 run partnership between Nicolaj Laegsgaard and Saif Ahmad. Laegsgaard smashed 91 from just 42 balls before he was the third man out.

Ahmed was out for 55 three balls later whilst Saran Aslam scored 47 from 16 balls and Oliver Hald 21 from 7 as Denmark racked up 256-5 from their 20 overs, the seventh highest ever men’s T20I total. Gibraltar managed to bat out their overs in reply, scoring 124-8 as they lost by 132 runs.

The second Group 1 match of the day was a much closer contest between Hungary and hosts Belgium. HunGary batted first after they won the toss and their innings was dominated by Zeeshan Kukikhel, who scored 32, and Satyadeep Ashwathnarayana, who scored 52 from 37 balls. They were the only batters to reach double figures in Hungary’s total of 120-9.

Belgium found themselves on 25-4 in their reply but got back into the game with the fifth wicket pairing of Sheraz Sheikh and Saber Zakhil putting on 46. Zakhil top scored with 37, whilst some decent bowling at the death prolonged the chase into the final over. Two fours in that final over from Murid Ekrami helped Belgium secure a one wicket win - and their semi-final place - with two balls to spare.

The first Group 2 match today was between Portugal and Malta, with the former choosing to bat first after they won the toss. Amir Zaib top scored with 37 as they scored 154-8 from their 20 overs. An 87 run sixth wicket partnership between Varun Thamotharam and Imran Ameer in Malta’s reply threatened Portugal, but after Themotharam was dismissed for 57 the run scoring began to dry up.

With 21 needed from the last over, Bilal Muhammad hit the first ball for six but was run out from the next ball and only two more were scored after that, Malta falling 11 runs short.

Spain’s semi-final place was secured in their match this afternoon against Israel. Choosing to bat first, Israel scored 114-9. The target was little trouble for Spain who knocked off the required runs in just 13.3 overs to win by 7 wickets.

Tomorrow is a rest-day in Belgium before the final round of group stage matches on Friday. In Group 1, Gibraltar play Hungary and Denmark will take on Belgium in what on current form could be a dress rehearsal for the final. In Group 2, Portugal play neighbours Spain and Israel will come up against Malta.