Scotland’s squad for the inaugural ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup was announced by the country’s board on Monday, December 12. Scotland had defeated the Netherlands in consecutive games to cement their spot in the Europe qualifying round. Scotland is one of the four teams which made it to the tournament via regional qualification.
Peter Ross, the head coach of the Scotland team expressed his excitement ahead of the tournament and admitted that it would be a privilege for the selected girls as they would be the first Women’s team from the country to play in a World Cup. He also reserved rich praise for his team which put up brilliant performances in the qualifying stage to make it to the main tournament. “It was evident during the qualifying campaign that this is an extremely talented group that has the ability to deliver high-quality performances. I am confident that, if they continue to play with that same style and mindset, they will showcase how good a team they are and will play some really exciting cricket”, he added.
The Head of Performance Pathway, Gordon Drummond echoed the same sentiments on the matter. “The group’s performances in the qualifiers were exceptional and we are all excited about their potential leading into the World Cup”, he said. He also acknowledged the contributions of the various stakeholders like the clubs, schools, parents, etc.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Scotland will first go to La Manga in Spain to fine-tune their skills, following which they will travel to the Rainbow Nation for the World Cup.
The tournament which will be hosted by South Africa is due to begin on the 14th of January with Australia and Bangladesh set to clash in the opening game at Benoni. The tournament comprises 16 teams which have been split into four groups of four teams each.
Scotland’s journey will start on the same day when they take on the United Arab Emirates in the second game at the same venue. Scotland is placed in group D which also comprises India and South Africa.
Scotland’s Squad for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023
Katherine Fraser (c), Alisa Lister (vc & wk), Molly Barbour-Smith, Olivia Bell, Darcey Carter, Maryam Faisal, Maisie Maceira, Orla Montgomery, Niamh Muir, Molly Paton, Niamh Robertson-Jack, Nayma Sheikh, Anne Sturgess, Emily Tucker & Emma Walsingham.
The tournament was originally due to be held in 2021 but was postponed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.