Scotland Women produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Ireland Women by 39 runs in the 21st match of the Women’s T20 World Cup Super-Six stage at Kirtipur, with Kathryn Bryce delivering a match-winning all-round display to earn the Player of the Match award.
Scotland’s innings began with Darcey Carter and Katherine Fraser setting the platform. While Carter struggled to find fluency and was dismissed for 11 off 16 balls (c Louise Little b Alana Dalzell), Fraser looked in excellent touch, striking four boundaries and two sixes in her brisk 36 off 26 deliveries. The pair added 24 runs for the first wicket before Fraser anchored the innings through the powerplay phase.
Captain Kathryn Bryce joined Fraser and ensured Scotland maintained momentum, compiling a crucial partnership of 61 runs for the second wicket. Bryce struck 30 off 23 balls, including five fours, before being dismissed by Lara McBride, while Fraser fell shortly after to Jane Maguire.
Sarah Bryce then took control of the middle overs, producing a fluent 47 off 31 balls, peppered with five fours and a six, to keep the scoring rate healthy. She was well supported by Ailsa Lister, who contributed 5 off 9 balls, and Megan McColl, whose late cameo of 27* off 15 balls lifted Scotland’s total significantly in the death overs. Scotland eventually posted 160/5 in 20 overs, with extras contributing 4 runs.
Ireland’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Jane Maguire leading the attack with figures of 2/20, while Alana Dalzell, Lara McBride, and Arlene Kelly each claimed one wicket. Orla Prendergast and Aimee Maguire bowled economically, though they went wicketless.
In reply, Ireland’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Christina Coulter Reilly was dismissed for a duck in the very first over by Kathryn Bryce. Gaby Lewis fought hard at the top, scoring 41 off 37 balls with four fours and two sixes, but lacked consistent support. Orla Prendergast added 7 off 6 balls before falling, while Leah Paul (15 off 18) and Rebecca Stokell (12 off 13) attempted to rebuild with a steady partnership, taking Ireland past 60.
Louise Little (17 off 13) injected some late intent, but regular wickets stalled Ireland’s momentum. Arlene Kelly (2), Jane Maguire (7), Alana Dalzell (9), and Aimee Maguire (1) all fell in quick succession as Scotland tightened the screws. Ireland were eventually bowled out for 121 in 19.2 overs, falling short of the target by 39 runs.
Scotland’s bowling attack was clinical, led by Kathryn Bryce, who returned outstanding figures of 4/21 in her four overs. Abtaha Maqsood provided key breakthroughs with 2/23, while Katherine Fraser chipped in with 1/17. Priyanaz Chatterji took 1/23, and Rachel Slater and Olivia Bell bowled disciplined spells to maintain pressure.
Overall, Scotland Women showcased a balanced performance with both bat and ball, underlining their growing strength in women’s cricket and strengthening their position in the tournament. The match highlighted the Bryce sisters’ influence, Fraser’s consistency, and Scotland’s depth, while Ireland will look to address their batting collapses as the competition progresses.
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