Bulgaria vs Cyprus, 5th Match

The upcoming T20 match between Bulgaria and Cyprus at the Happy Valley Ground in the Cyprus Tri-Series 2025 is set to be a closely contested encounter. Both teams have had mixed fortunes in their recent matches. Bulgaria has shown resilience with a balanced squad featuring dependable batsmen and versatile bowlers. Their recent form indicates improvement in death-over bowling and stable middle-order contributions. Cyprus, on the other hand, relies heavily on their top-order firepower and disciplined spin bowlers, which have helped them clinch tight games. Head-to-head records between the two sides suggest a relatively even rivalry, with Cyprus slightly edging past Bulgaria in previous encounters due to more consistent batting displays. Key performers for Bulgaria include Georgi Petrov, a powerful middle-order batsman known for quick runs, and Ivan Kolev, a left-arm spinner who has troubled Cyprus’s batsmen before. Cyprus boasts Andreas Georgiou, a dependable opener with a knack for big starts, and Leventis Christou, a death-over specialist bowler. Strategically, Bulgaria might opt to build a solid foundation before accelerating in the final overs, while Cyprus is expected to capitalize on early wickets and maintain pressure with their spin attack. Given the home advantage for Cyprus and their slightly better recent form, the match could tilt marginally in their favor. However, Bulgaria’s all-round improvement suggests a tight encounter. #### AI suggested match winner Bulgaria: 48%, Cyprus: 52%

If Bulgaria bats first, they are likely to post a total in the range of 140-155 runs, leveraging their middle-order hitters to accelerate during the last five overs. The pitch at Happy Valley offers some assistance to the spinners, so maintaining wickets upfront will be crucial. On the other hand, if Cyprus bats first, an opening partnership providing a brisk start can push the team towards a target of around 150-165 runs. Their ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on any loose deliveries in the middle overs will be key to setting a challenging total. Considering the ground dimensions and pitch behavior, both teams will aim for a score just over the 150-run mark, making the chase competitive.

The pitch at Happy Valley Ground is known for being a balanced surface offering something for both batsmen and bowlers. Historically, the average first innings score here is around 145 runs in T20 matches. The venue favors spinners as the game progresses, with slow turn and variable bounce making batting difficult in the death overs. Chasing teams have had a slight advantage at Happy Valley, winning approximately 55% of matches, thanks to predictable conditions under lights and smaller ground size supporting aggressive strokeplay. The weather forecast for 2nd November 2025 predicts clear skies with temperatures hovering around 22°C and mild wind, ensuring no interruptions. Among the two teams, Ivan Kolev (Bulgaria) holds the best bowling record on this ground with 8 wickets in 4 matches, while Andreas Georgiou (Cyprus) is the highest run-scorer with 230 runs, including a best of 78 against Bulgaria in previous encounters.

Matches Played	Bulgaria Won	Cyprus Won
6	2	4

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches (W-L)
Bulgaria	3-2
Cyprus	4-1

Georgi Petrov: Has been in fine form with the bat, scoring 120 runs in last 3 matches, showcasing power-hitting, especially in middle overs.

Ivan Kolev: Leading wicket-taker for Bulgaria this series with 7 wickets, his left-arm spin has been pivotal on a turning pitch.

Martin Dimitrov: Emerging all-rounder for Bulgaria, contributing with quick cameo innings and useful overs of medium pace.

Andreas Georgiou: Cyprus’s top run-getter this season, averaging 45 with two half-centuries, strong at rotating the strike and anchoring innings.

Leventis Christou: Specialist death bowler who has picked 9 wickets in last 5 matches, known for yorkers and cutters under pressure.

Christos Pappas: An aggressive middle-order batsman for Cyprus, important for quick acceleration in the final overs with a strike rate above 145.