The 5th T20I between Cyprus Women and Greece Women unfolded as a gripping, low-scoring contest in Episkopi, where momentum kept shifting before Cyprus Women held their nerve to clinch a dramatic 7-run victory via the DLS method.
Cyprus Women’s innings never quite found early fluency as their top order struggled to settle against disciplined Greek bowling. Alexandra Taylor was the first to depart at 10/1 in 3.1 overs, trapped lbw by Sofia-nefeli Georgota after a cautious 3 off 8 balls. Ayesha Dirannehelage attempted to rebuild alongside Nilmini Liyanage, and the pair stitched together a steady 12-run partnership. However, just as they looked to accelerate, Dirannehelage fell for 8 (19 balls) at 20/2 in 5.5 overs, again putting pressure back on Cyprus.
Nilmini Liyanage showed composure during her stay, rotating strike and pushing the innings forward. Alongside skipper Iresha Chathurani, she added another crucial 15 runs for the third wicket. Liyanage was eventually run out for 12 (22 balls) at 35/3 in 9.6 overs, halting momentum at a key stage. Chathurani, who contributed 7 off 11, tried to anchor but fell soon after at 35/4 in 9.4 overs, caught off Georgota, who was the standout bowler.
The middle order couldn’t quite accelerate as Greece Women kept things tight. Samanthi Dunukedeniya added 3 before falling at 41/5 in 11.1 overs, leaving Cyprus in a tricky position. A late push came from Dinelka Koralalage (6* off 7) and Thamara De Silva (5* off 7), whose unbeaten 11-run stand helped Cyprus close their innings at 55/5 in 13 overs. Extras played a notable role, contributing 11 runs.
Greece Women’s bowling effort was spearheaded brilliantly by Sofia-nefeli Georgota, who picked up 3 wickets for just 12 runs in her 4 overs, maintaining exceptional control. Maria-afroditi Vervitsioti also chipped in with 1/6, while Maria Syrioti bowled economically despite going wicketless. Adamantia Makri and Aggeliki Savvani supported well, keeping the scoring rate in check.
Chasing a revised target of 63 in 13 overs, Greece Women’s innings got off to a shaky start. Adamantia Makri showed intent with a brisk 6 off 7 balls but fell early at 9/1 in 1.3 overs. Aggeliki Savvani struggled to find rhythm, scoring just 1 before departing at 12/2 in 2.5 overs. Cyprus bowlers, led by Ayesha Dirannehelage, applied immediate pressure.
A mini-collapse followed as Maria-afroditi Vervitsioti (0) and captain Maria Syrioti (3) fell in quick succession, leaving Greece reeling at 24/4 in 6.2 overs. The innings saw a brief recovery through Aggeliki-Ioanna Argyropoulou and Sofia-Nefeli Georgota. Argyropoulou battled hard for her 10 off 31 balls, anchoring one end, while Georgota added a useful 11 off 14.
Their 21-run partnership for the fifth wicket was crucial in keeping Greece in the hunt. However, just as the chase began to stabilise, wickets tumbled again. Argyropoulou fell at 45/6 in 10.6 overs, followed by Georgota at 51/7 in 11.5 overs. Late resistance from Theodora Parisi-mesimeri (4* off 5) wasn’t enough, as Greece closed at 55/9 in 13 overs.
The Cyprus Women’s bowling unit delivered a collective effort. Ayesha Dirannehelage was exceptional, claiming 3/8 in her 3 overs, breaking the backbone of the chase. Iresha Chathurani supported well with 2/10, while Samanthi Dunukedeniya also picked up 2/9, ensuring Greece never gained full control. Though Dinelka Koralalage and Chandrika Wijesinghe went wicketless, they maintained pressure through tight spells.
In the end, despite both teams finishing on 55, Cyprus Women’s superior position under the DLS method sealed a hard-fought win. With this win, Cyprus extended their winning run to 4-0 in the series with a game ending with a result due to persistent rain.
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