Scotland’s women’s cricket team is set for a critical campaign, with Kathryn Bryce’s return boosting the side for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal from 12 January to 2 February 2026. The 15-player squad announcement signals Scotland’s determined bid to secure one of four coveted spots at the 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by England and Wales between 12 June and 5 July 2026.
Following a competitive showing at the inaugural ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 in Thailand, where Scotland finished fourth with five wins from seven games, Scotland’s squad now incorporates fresh talent and experience. Pippa Sproul, who missed the Thailand tournament due to school commitments but earned a Hampshire contract this summer, joins the group alongside veterans under Bryce’s leadership.
Craig Wallace, Scotland Women’s Head Coach, expressed optimism about the challenge ahead: “We have a really exciting opportunity going into Nepal, with an opportunity to qualify for another World Cup. We know how hard qualifying tournaments are, and the Emerging Nations Trophy showed us how tough associate cricket is, so we just need to take it one game at a time and play how we know we can.”
Wallace highlighted the importance of the recent Thailand experience for team cohesion and development: “Having that time together in Thailand was really important to get everyone back together and play T20 cricket as a group for the first time in a while. It was great getting to work on a few different things in terms of how we want to play and push the players really hard. We still have work to do, but it was good to get some hard games under our belt and play in high-pressure situations.”
The return of Bryce, a world-class player and team captain, is a crucial boost. “It’s pleasing to welcome Kathryn Bryce back, she’s our captain and a world-class player, and she adds so much value to all aspects of the game, both on and off the pitch,” said Wallace. He also praised stand-in skipper Sarah Bryce and Abtaha Maqsood for their leadership in Thailand: “They did an outstanding job in Thailand leading the group, and Kathryn just adds value on top of that.”
Scotland’s blend of youth and experience, with players including Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, and others, offers a balanced squad aiming to navigate the fierce competition in Nepal. With ten teams contesting for just four qualification spots, every match promises intense pressure and high stakes.
Scotland Women’s squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier
Kathryn Bryce (C), Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce (wk), Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Ailsa Lister, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Mollie Parker, Hannah Rainey, Niamh Robertson-Jack, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul
Scotland will be eager to build on their positive momentum from the Emerging Nations Trophy and show they belong among the top associates in women’s T20 cricket. The forthcoming qualifier could pave the way for another historic appearance on the world stage in England and Wales next summer.
(Quotes sourced from Cricket Scotland Press Release)
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