By Victoria Hamilton 
Romania Hold Their Nerve in High-Scoring Thriller
The Women’s Continental Cup 2025 opened in style at Ilfov County, as Romania Women held off a determined challenge from Austria Women to claim a five-run win in a high-scoring 10-over contest.
Led by captain Rebecca Blake’s unbeaten 63 off 40 balls, Romania posted a commanding 108/2 in 10 overs. Her innings, packed with elegant strokes and superb placement, was a captain’s knock that set the tone for the tournament.
Partnering with Maya Kearvell (23 off 20), Blake built a crucial stand that helped Romania recover from an early wicket. Austria’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring rate, conceding 16 extras, including 11 wides and five no-balls.
Priya Sabu (1/25) was the only Austrian bowler to strike, while Mallika Pathirannehelage and Andrea-Mae Zepeda faced the brunt of Romania’s counterattack.
Austria Fight Back but Fall Just Short
In response, Austria Women gave Romania a late scare. Captain Priya Sabu (38 off 32)* and senior batter Andrea-Mae Zepeda (33 off 29)* combined for an unbeaten opening partnership, scoring freely against the Romanian attack.
Despite 32 extras from Romania’s bowlers, the home side managed to hold their composure in the final overs.
Austria finished on 103/0 in 10 overs, falling five runs short of the target.
Rebecca Blake’s all-round leadership was instrumental, and she was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Brief Scores
Romania Women: 108/2 (Rebecca Blake 63*, Maya Kearvell 23; Priya Sabu 1/25)
Austria Women: 103/0 (Priya Sabu 38*, Andrea-Mae Zepeda 33*)
Result: Romania Women won by 5 runs
Player of the Match: Rebecca Blake (Romania)
Turkey Dominate Bulgaria in One-Sided Encounter
In the second game of the day, Turkey Women outplayed Bulgaria Women to secure a commanding 56-run victory, showcasing both bowling depth and batting resilience.
After a shaky start, Duygu Tekyildirim (40 off 35) stabilized Turkey’s innings, while Saliha Ozkunduz (15 off 15) provided late impetus. Despite a middle-order collapse, extras from Bulgaria’s bowlers (46 in total) boosted Turkey to 143 all out in 19.5 overs.
Bulgaria’s Stanislava Sarandeva (3/16) impressed with the ball, supported by Ventislava Atanasova (2/51). However, their fielding lapses and inconsistent lines proved costly.
Ozkunduz Spins Turkey to Victory
Chasing 144, Bulgaria’s batting faltered early against Turkey’s disciplined bowling. Saliha Ozkunduz was the standout performer, taking 3/13 in three overs, including early breakthroughs that crushed Bulgaria’s top order.
Detelina Ruynekova (36 off 40) fought a lone battle, but lacked support as Bulgaria crawled to 87/7 in 20 overs.
Turkey’s captain Kubra Canavarci (1/15) and all-rounder Sila Yildirim (2/13) also played vital roles in maintaining pressure throughout the innings.
Ozkunduz was named Player of the Match for her match-defining all-round display — a fine reward for leading Turkey to a strong start in their campaign.
Brief Scores
Turkey Women: 143 all out (Duygu Tekyildirim 40, Saliha Ozkunduz 15; Sarandeva 3/16)
Bulgaria Women: 87/7 (Ruynekova 36; Ozkunduz 3/13, Yildirim 2/13)
Result: Turkey Women won by 56 runs
Player of the Match: Saliha Ozkunduz (Turkey)
Day 1 Reflections
The opening day of the Women’s Continental Cup 2025 offered an ideal showcase of emerging European women’s cricket. Romania’s composure under pressure and Turkey’s tactical discipline stood out as both sides claimed early momentum in their respective campaigns.
With more action ahead, the competition promises exciting cricket, new stars, and rising rivalries among developing cricket nations.
Himadullah Sohoo