**Cypriot Women Cricketers Sweep Malta in T20I Series**
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the Cyprus Women’s cricket team achieved a clean sweep against Malta in a five-match T20I bilateral series held at Happy Valley Ground in Episkopi from June 18 to June 20. This series was part of the 2026 ICC Women’s Cricket Week celebrations, and the Cypriot team showcased their prowess, following up on their recent success against Greece, where they won 4-1 in April.
Leading the charge for Cyprus was captain Iresha Chathurani, who not only captained her side effectively but also emerged as the series’ highest run-scorer. Chathurani accumulated a total of 131 runs over the five matches, boasting an impressive average of 43.67 and a strike rate of 85.62. Her performance was pivotal in securing the series victory and earning her the coveted title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the series.
The bowling department also shone brightly for Cyprus, with Ayesha Bandara and Chathurangi Dunukedeniya each claiming nine wickets, tying with Malta’s Silda Joy at the top of the wicket-taking charts. This collective effort in both batting and bowling allowed Cyprus to dominate the series, ultimately finishing with a 5-0 victory against the Maltese side.
The success of the Cyprus Women’s team is particularly notable as it has propelled them to 37th place in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings. This achievement stands in stark contrast to the men’s team, which is currently ranked 65th in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings. The disparity highlights the growing prominence of women’s cricket in Cyprus and the potential for continued development in the sport.
As the series concluded, attention began to shift towards domestic cricket. The Cyprus Women’s competition is set to resume next week at Happy Valley, providing an opportunity for local talent to further hone their skills. Meanwhile, the Men’s Domestic T20 competition has entered its knockout stage, with all four quarter-finals scheduled for Sunday, June 28, at the same venue. The competition remains wide open, with no clear favorites emerging.
In the men’s tournament, Sankar Mekala leads the batting charts with a remarkable 281 runs at an average of 70.25. On the bowling side, both Vansham Bhandari and Abhay Parmar share the top spot with 12 wickets each, indicating a competitive environment as the teams vie for the title.
The recent achievements of the Cyprus Women’s cricket team serve as an inspiring benchmark for the men’s team, as both squads aim to elevate the standards of cricket in Cyprus. With the women’s team setting a high bar on the international stage, the hope is that the men will rise to the challenge and produce performances that reflect the growing stature of Cyprus cricket.
As the cricketing landscape in Cyprus continues to evolve, the success of the women’s team may encourage increased participation and support for the sport across both genders. The upcoming domestic competitions will be crucial in nurturing local talent and fostering a competitive spirit that can lead to further successes on the international stage.