Priyanaz Chatterji, Scotland’s dynamic 32-year-old all-rounder, views the upcoming 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales, from June 12 to July 5, as a home away from home opportunity.
Fresh off a stellar showing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Nepal, where Scotland, led by skipper Kathryn Bryce, clinched third place on the points table with 6 points from 5 games (3 wins, 2 losses), Chatterji’s all-round brilliance, 119 runs at a strike rate of 138.37 and average of 59.50 across 6 innings in 7 matches, plus 6 wickets at 20.33 average and 8.13 economy in 7 innings, propelled her side into the main event alongside Bangladesh, Ireland, and debutants Netherlands.
Priyanaz Chatterji, who plies her trade for Surrey in the English county system, lit up the Qualifier with key partnerships, none more vital than her 39 off 28 balls and 2-11 against the USA in the decisive final match, a 41-run triumph that sealed qualification as the fourth European side in the tournament, joining Ireland, the Netherlands and hosts England.
“It is certainly the closest to a home World Cup we will get,” Chatterji beamed, highlighting the personal boost. “It’s really exciting for us that we will be able to have a lot of friends and family come and watch.”
Scotland’s rise underscores the group’s evolution. Chatterji credits the blend of county exposure and homegrown talent, pointing to standouts like Scottish-based Megan McColl, with whom she forged crucial stands. “As a group, we’ve improved massively over the last few years. Several of our players have benefited from playing in the English county system and the better resourcing that exists in the English set-up. But equally, we have had really standout performances from our Scottish-based players as well, like Megan McColl.”
Preparation stayed steady amid pressure, Chatterji revealed. “We tried to keep things as consistent as possible in terms of our preparation. We knew the USA are a good side, and we would have to go out and play good cricket to get across the line. I guess, in those situations, the build-up is almost worse. Once you get going, you get into the swing of things, and it’s just cricket.”
For Chatterji, the Qualifier’s chaos, featuring the Netherlands’ win over Scotland, Scotland’s edge over Ireland, and Ireland’s upset of the Netherlands, signals women’s cricket’s global surge. “The Qualifiers were a really exciting tournament and spoke to how much the game has developed globally. I don’t really think there were any easy games or obvious results, and certainly plenty of upsets. Looking at European cricket, it does seem to be in a good place. You’ve got a lot of good competition, and that is great for the growth of the game.”
As Scotland gears up to challenge the elite on familiar turf, Chatterji’s poise and versatility position them as dark horses in the upcoming 10th edition of the T20 World Cup in England and Wales.
(Quotes sourced from ICC Press Release)
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