Malta and the Isle of Man prepared for the first ever women's Valletta Cup with a three-match bilateral series at the Marsa Sports Club, with the visitors winning all three games of the series in what were Malta's first home women's T20Is.

In the first game on Saturday, Malta batted first and scored 79-5, with the highest scorer being the 28 extras conceded by the Manx bowlers. Lucy Barnett then top scored with 35 before retiring ill as the visitors chased down their target in 11.3 overs to win by nine wickets.

The home side batted first again in the second game yesterday and were bowled out for just 50, with Joanne Hicks taking five wickets for just ten runs, ending her spell with a quadruple wicket maiden which included a hat-trick. Isle of Man knocked off the runs in 4.2 overs for another nine wicket win.

Joanne Hicks gets the match ball after her spell of 5-10 (Isle of Man Cricket)

The final game today was a familiar story. Malta batted first and scored 79-7 from their 20 overs with only two batters reaching double figures. Andrea Littlejohns top scored in the Manx run chase with 30 as they completed a third nine wicket win in as many games.

Both teams now play in the upcoming Valletta Cup at the same venue where they will be joined by Serbia, Greece and an MCC Women's touring side.