Cyprus Women wrapped up another dominant performance in the Malta Women tour of Cyprus, securing a comfortable five-wicket victory over Malta Women at the Happy Valley Ground in Episkopi. Chasing a modest target, Cyprus Women reached 40/5 in just 9.2 overs, sealing the contest with 64 balls to spare and extending their superiority in the series. The result also ensured a 3-0 lead in the five-match series. While the chase was not entirely straightforward due to a cluster of wickets, the hosts were always in control after an exceptional bowling display had restricted Malta Women to just 39 runs.
The match began with Malta Women opting to bat first, but the decision quickly backfired as Cyprus Women’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. The opening partnership never gained momentum, with captain Jessica Rymer managing only 1 run before becoming the first wicket to fall at 6/1. The dismissal came courtesy of Dinelka Koralalage, who had Rymer caught by Iresha Chaturani. Malta’s troubles deepened when Likhita Yadav departed for 1, leaving the visitors at 6/2. A brief 3-run stand between Nicola De Bromhead and Anupama Rameshan steadied the innings momentarily, but Chandrika Wijesinghe removed Rameshan for 3 to make it 9/3.
From there, the innings struggled to find any rhythm. Nicola De Bromhead was unable to break free and fell for a 12-ball duck at 15/4, while Silda Joy’s quick 3 from three deliveries ended soon after, reducing Malta Women to 15/5. Ayesha Dirannehelage proved particularly effective with the ball, claiming three wickets and ensuring there was no recovery. Stella Arooja and Thanooja Sharfudheen both departed without scoring, leaving Malta reeling at 15/6 and then 15/7.
Swetha Don and Susan George attempted to rebuild with a 2-run partnership before Don was dismissed for 1. Susan George then combined with Reshma Raghavan in the best stand of the innings, adding 15 runs for the ninth wicket. George remained unbeaten on 7 from 17 deliveries while Reshma contributed 5 before becoming the ninth wicket at 32. The final wicket fell with the score on 39 as Silvana Bandeva was trapped lbw by Nilmini Liyanage for a duck. Extras played a major role, contributing 18 runs, nearly half of the team’s total.
Cyprus Women’s bowling attack shared the spoils impressively. Alexandra Taylor was the standout performer, returning remarkable figures of 3/6 from four overs while maintaining an economy rate of just 1.50. Ayesha Dirannehelage matched her impact with 3/5 from two overs, dismantling the middle order. Dinelka Koralalage and Chandrika Wijesinghe chipped in with one wicket apiece, while Nilmini Liyanage completed the collapse with a wicket of her own. Samanthi Dunukedeniya bowled economically, conceding only five runs while also taking a wicket. The disciplined bowling effort never allowed Malta Women to build meaningful partnerships, with every stand being quickly broken.
Needing only 40 runs for victory, Cyprus Women endured a few nervous moments despite the small target. Alexandra Taylor was dismissed for 1 with the score at 1/1, while Sasmi Jayakodi followed immediately for a duck, leaving the hosts at 2/4. Nilmini Liyanage and Shashika Herath then repaired the damage with a 6-run partnership before Liyanage fell for 3 at 7/3. Dilini Ishara joined Herath and added 5 runs for the fourth wicket, but Ishara’s dismissal for 4 made it 12/4.
The most significant partnership of the chase came between Shashika Herath and Samanthi Dunukedeniya, who added 24 runs for the fifth wicket. Herath occupied the crease for 18 deliveries before being dismissed for 3 with the score on 36. Dunukedeniya, however, remained composed and guided her side home with an unbeaten 17 from 20 balls, including the only boundary of the innings. She was supported by Thamara De Silva, who remained unbeaten as Cyprus crossed the finish line at 40/5 in 9.2 overs.
Malta Women’s bowlers fought hard despite the limited total to defend. Silda Joy was the most successful bowler, claiming 2/14 from three overs and briefly raising hopes of an upset. Susan George bowled an economical spell and picked up 1/7, while Likhita Yadav and Anupama Rameshan claimed one wicket each. However, the target proved too small to create sustained pressure.
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