Scotland’s women’s cricket team has done it again. For the second time in history, the Wildcats have secured their place on the global stage, qualifying for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. At the heart of this triumph is Surrey all-rounder Priyanaz Chatterji, whose explosive performance in Nepal ensured her nation would not miss out on the summer spectacle in England and Wales.
Sealing the Spot in Nepal
The road to the World Cup is never easy for Associate nations. Scotland had to battle through a grueling qualifying tournament in Nepal earlier this month to book their ticket. The team faced stiff competition from formidable sides like Thailand, Zimbabwe, and the hosts, Nepal.
It was a test of endurance and skill. The Scots won five out of their seven matches to finish in the top tier of the table. Their consistency paid off as they qualified alongside Ireland, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Scottish cricket, following their debut appearance at the 2024 edition.
Match Highlights from the Qualifier:
- vs Nepal: Crucial victory secured by Chatterji’s player-of-the-match performance.
- vs Thailand: A tight contest that showcased Scotland’s bowling depth.
- Final Standings: Scotland advances with 5 wins, proving they belong among the elite.
A Decade of Dedication
Priyanaz Chatterji is no stranger to high-pressure situations. Having made her debut for Scotland back in 2008, she has been a pillar of the team for nearly two decades. Her experience proved vital during the crunch moments of the qualifiers.
She led from the front when it mattered most. In the decisive game against Nepal, Chatterji smashed a match-winning 47 runs. She finished the tournament with a higher strike rate than any other Scottish batter, proving that her aggressive style is perfectly suited for T20 cricket.
Her contribution was not limited to batting. The Surrey star also picked up six wickets throughout the campaign. Her ability to break partnerships at critical intervals kept opposition scoring rates in check and gave Scotland the upper hand in tight defenses.
“It is always an honour to go out and represent your country,” Chatterji said after the qualification. “I am really proud that I have been able to do it for this long. I have seen such a change in the set up over the years and now we are in a place where we are going to a World Cup in England, with a really talented team.”
The Home Advantage
This World Cup holds special significance for the Scottish squad. The tournament will be hosted by England and Wales starting June 12, 2026. For many players who ply their trade in the English domestic system, this will feel like a home tournament.
Scotland cannot host an ICC World Cup due to their status as an Associate nation. However, the proximity of this year’s event offers a rare luxury. Players like Chatterji, who represents Surrey in England’s Tier 1 domestic structure, will be playing in familiar conditions.
“We are so excited about the prospect of the World Cup being in England,” Chatterji added. “The opportunity for our friends and family to come and support is made so much easier and we hope to get some decent crowds cheering us on. A feat that is not always possible when we are playing abroad.”
Taking on the World’s Best
The stage is set for a summer of blockbuster cricket. While the specific group pools are yet to be finalized, Scotland knows they will face giants of the game. Potential matchups include heavyweights like India, Australia, and the host nation, England.
Key Venues for 2026:
- Edgbaston: Hosts the tournament opener between England and Sri Lanka.
- The Kia Oval: Will host both semi-finals.
- Lord’s: The site of the grand final.
For Chatterji, the dream scenario involves a deep run in the tournament. If Scotland can navigate the group stages successfully, she could find herself playing a World Cup semi-final at the Kia Oval. This ground is the home of her domestic team, Surrey, and playing there in Scottish colors would be a career-defining moment.
“I have no doubt that we can compete on this stage,” Chatterji stated confidently. “It will be tough, but we have come so far and this is such a great opportunity to show the rest of the world how strong we are.”
The global event kicks off on June 12. Fans across Scotland and England are already buying tickets, eager to see if the Wildcats can roar louder than ever before.
