The fifth T20I between Cyprus Women and Greece Women in Episkopi produced a tense, low-scoring encounter, with Cyprus edging out a dramatic 7-run victory under the DLS method after a match marked by constant momentum swings.
Cyprus Women struggled to find early rhythm with the bat as Greece maintained disciplined lines. Alexandra Taylor was the first to fall, dismissed lbw by Sofia-nefeli Georgota for 3 off 8 balls at 10/1 in 3.1 overs. Ayesha Dirannehelage then attempted to rebuild alongside Nilmini Liyanage, with the pair adding 12 runs. However, Dirannehelage departed for 8 off 19 deliveries at 20/2 in 5.5 overs, halting progress once again.
Liyanage showed patience at the crease, working the strike and stabilising the innings. Together with captain Iresha Chathurani, she added 15 runs for the third wicket. Liyanage was run out for 12 off 22 balls at 35/3 in 9.6 overs, while Chathurani, who made 7 off 11, fell shortly after at 35/4 in 9.4 overs, caught off Georgota.
The middle order found it difficult to accelerate as Greece kept the scoring under control. Samanthi Dunukedeniya added 3 before being dismissed at 41/5 in 11.1 overs. A late contribution came from Dinelka Koralalage (6* off 7) and Thamara De Silva (5* off 7), whose unbeaten 11-run stand helped Cyprus reach 55/5 in 13 overs. Extras contributed 11 runs, playing a role in the total.
Greece’s bowling effort was led by Sofia-nefeli Georgota, who finished with impressive figures of 3/12 in her four overs. Maria-afroditi Vervitsioti took 1/6, while Maria Syrioti bowled economically. Adamantia Makri and Aggeliki Savvani also contributed with tight spells.
Dirannehelage Leads Cyprus Defense
Chasing a revised target of 63 in 13 overs, Greece Women made an uncertain start. Adamantia Makri scored 6 off 7 before falling at 9/1 in 1.3 overs, while Aggeliki Savvani managed just 1 before being dismissed at 12/2 in 2.5 overs. Cyprus quickly built pressure, with Ayesha Dirannehelage leading the attack.
Further setbacks followed as Maria-afroditi Vervitsioti (0) and captain Maria Syrioti (3) were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Greece at 24/4 in 6.2 overs. A brief recovery came through Aggeliki-ioanna Argyropoulou and Sofia-nefeli Georgota. Argyropoulou anchored the innings with 10 off 31 balls, while Georgota contributed 11 off 14.
The pair added 21 runs for the fifth wicket to keep Greece in contention, but the momentum shifted again as wickets fell at crucial moments. Argyropoulou was dismissed at 45/6 in 10.6 overs, followed by Georgota at 51/7 in 11.5 overs. Late resistance from Theodora Parisi-mesimeri, who remained unbeaten on 4 off 5 balls, was not enough as Greece finished on 55/9 in 13 overs.
Cyprus’s bowling effort was well coordinated. Dirannehelage was the standout performer with figures of 3/8 in three overs. Iresha Chathurani supported with 2/10, while Samanthi Dunukedeniya claimed 2/9. Dinelka Koralalage and Chandrika Wijesinghe remained wicketless but maintained pressure with economical spells.
With both teams ending on 55, Cyprus Women secured victory through the DLS method, extending their winning run to 4-0 in the series in a rain-affected contest.
