KATHMANDU, Nepal – Captain Kathryn Bryce produced a sensational all-round display to lead Scotland to a commanding 39-run victory over Ireland in the Super Six stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old first smashed a quick-fire 30 from 23 balls to help Scotland post 160 for 5, then ripped through Ireland’s top order with figures of 4 for 21 as the Irish were bundled out for 121 in 19.2 overs at the Tribhuvan University Ground in Kirtipur.
This result keeps Scotland’s dream of a first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup appearance very much alive.
Bryce Sisters Lay the Foundation
Scotland’s innings revolved around the Bryce siblings once again.
Sarah Bryce, fresh from her match-winning 52 not out against Thailand, top-scored with a classy 47 from 35 balls, striking five boundaries and showing superb timing.
Kathryn walked in at 68 for 2 and immediately took charge. She hammered three fours and a six in her 30 before holing out, but not before putting on a crucial 48-run stand with Katherine Fraser.
Fraser played a gem of a knock herself, scoring 36 from 28 balls with some elegant drives, while Megan McColl provided the late surge with an unbeaten 27 off just 15 deliveries, including two sixes.
Ireland’s best bowler was Jane Maguire (2-20), but the rest of the attack struggled for control on a good batting surface.
Kathryn Bryce Tears Through Ireland’s Top Order
The tone was set from the very third ball of Ireland’s chase.
Kathryn Bryce, operating with the new ball, castled Christina Coulter Reilly for a duck and never let Ireland settle.
She removed Amy Hunter, Orla Prendergast, and Laura Delany in a devastating spell that left Ireland reeling at 45 for 4.
No team has ever successfully chased more than 140 in Kirtipur during this tournament, and Ireland were always playing catch-up.
Gaby Lewis fought hard for her 41 from 41 balls, but once she was bowled by the impressive Katherine Fraser (1-17), the writing was on the wall.
Leah Paul (15), Rebecca Stokell (12), and Louise Little (17) all got starts but failed to convert against tight Scottish bowling and sharp fielding.
Current Super Six Standings
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 | +3.315 |
| Thailand | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | +0.892 |
| Scotland | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | +0.478 |
| Ireland | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -0.912 |
| Uganda | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -1.158 |
| United States | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | -2.987 |
The top two teams will qualify for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England later this year.
What Scotland and Ireland Need Now
Scotland’s path is straightforward: beat Bangladesh on Friday in Kirtipur and they are through. A victory would take them to six points, a total only Sri Lanka (already qualified) can better.
Kathryn Bryce told reporters after the match: “We know what’s required now. We’ve put ourselves in a great position. The belief in the group is sky-high.”
Ireland’s situation is more complicated. They face the Netherlands on Friday and must win to reach four points. Even then, they would likely need Scotland to lose to Bangladesh and hope net run rate falls their way.
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis remained defiant: “We still control our own destiny. One big performance and we’re right back in it.”
A Historic Opportunity Within Reach
For Scotland, qualification would be monumental. This is a team that has never played in a global ICC tournament at senior women’s level.
The Bryce sisters learned their cricket at the same club in Edinburgh. Now they stand on the brink of taking Scotland to the biggest stage in the sport.
Wednesday’s victory wasn’t just about the 39 runs. It was a statement.
Scotland have beaten Ireland, Thailand, and the United States convincingly in this tournament. They have shown they belong among the world’s best associate nations.
One more win on Friday, and the dream becomes reality.
The whole country will be watching.
What did you make of Kathryn Bryce’s incredible performance? Are Scotland ready to shock the world and reach their first T20 World Cup? Drop your thoughts below and use #ScotlandWomen on social media to join the conversation.
