As the curtains closed on the exhilarating and action-packed 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the standout performer who consistently delivered exceptional performances throughout the tournament. Kathryn Bryce, the captain of Scotland, was rightfully bestowed with the prestigious Player of the Tournament award for her remarkable contributions during the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. Bryce showcased an outstanding all-round performance, amassing a total of 177 runs and claiming 9 wickets in just 5 matches. Under the dynamic leadership of the 26-year-old captain, Scotland achieved the historic milestone of qualifying for their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup, slated to take place in Bangladesh later this year. Bryce’s leadership and stellar performances undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Scotland’s success in the tournament.
On July 7, 2018, Scotland made a memorable debut in T20 International cricket against Uganda at Amstelveen during the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier. The talented all-rounder Kathryn Bryce was appointed as the captain, simultaneously marking her T20I debut. In a convincing display of skill and determination, Scotland emerged victorious in this match against Uganda, securing a resounding win by 9 wickets.
Following their impressive performance in the group stage, Scotland advanced to the semi-finals after securing the 2nd position in Group B, accumulating a total of 4 points. However, their journey in the semi-finals proved to be challenging as they faced Bangladesh. Despite their efforts, Scotland unfortunately suffered a defeat, with Bangladesh emerging victorious by a margin of 49 runs.
Now, let’s delve into Kathryn Bryce’s remarkable performance at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier:
Scotland vs Uganda – 25 April 2024, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi
Despite a disappointing start where she was run out on the first ball, Kathryn Bryce bounced back strongly, showcasing her prowess as a bowler by dismissing Uganda’s Prosscovia Alako in the first over itself. She finished with impressive figures of 1/9 in 3.0 overs. Scotland displayed dominance throughout the match, securing a convincing victory by 109 runs.
Scotland vs Sri Lanka – 27 April 2024, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium,Abu Dhabi
Batting first, Scotland struggled to build a substantial total, managing to score only 94 runs. Captain Kathryn Bryce contributed 22 runs off 19 balls with a commendable strike rate of 115.78, which surpassed that of her teammates. Following her efforts with the bat, Bryce remained wicketless during her bowling spell, finishing with figures of 0/14 in 2.0 overs. Sri Lanka comfortably secured victory in this match, winning by 10 wickets.
Scotland vs United States of America – 29 April 2024, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Kathryn Bryce bounced back strongly, scoring an unbeaten 57 runs off 51 balls. Additionally, she made a significant impact with the ball, picking up 4 wickets during the powerplay itself. Bryce finished with outstanding bowling figures of 4/17 in 4.0 overs. Scotland comfortably emerged victorious in the match, securing a 44-run win. Recognizing her exceptional all-round performance, Kathryn Bryce was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match title.
Thailand vs Scotland – 3 May 2024, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi
Chasing the modest target of 99 runs, Scotland secured a comfortable victory by 6 wickets, largely due to Kathryn Bryce’s exceptional innings of 63* runs off 58 balls. With the ball, though Bryce finished wicketless, she was economical, returning figures of 0/14 in 3.0 overs. Her outstanding performance in both batting and bowling departments earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match title.
Ireland vs Scotland, Semi-final 1 – 5 May 2024, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
In the crucial semi-final match against their arch-rival Ireland, Scotland and Kathryn Bryce delivered exceptional performances. Captain Kathryn Bryce rose to the occasion, showcasing her bowling prowess by claiming 4 wickets and finishing with an outstanding figure of 4/8 in 4.0 overs. Restricting Ireland to a total of 110/9 on the scoreboard.
In the chase, Scotland’s Megan McColl played a crucial innings, scoring 50 runs off 47 balls, while captain Kathryn Bryce contributed with an unbeaten 35 runs off just 29 balls. Scotland comfortably chased down the target with only 2 wickets lost, securing their place in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup and marking their debut in the tournament.
This marked a significant improvement from the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, as Scotland successfully progressed past the semi-final stage.
However, in the final against Sri Lanka, Kathryn Bryce did not play, with her sister Sarah Bryce captaining the side.
Throughout the tournament, Kathryn Bryce showcased her all-round capabilities, with her highest score being 63* runs and her best bowling figure standing at 4/8. She was also recognized for her outstanding performances, winning the Player of the Match award consecutively three times against USA, Thailand, and Ireland, respectively.
