In a mouth-watering European derby at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026, Scotland Women lock horns with Netherlands Women today in Kirtipur. The Dutch arrive high on confidence after beating Zimbabwe by 22 runs, while Scotland open their campaign as pre-tournament favourites alongside Ireland. One match in, everything to play for – this is must-win cricket at its absolute best.
Full Squads: Who Made the Cut
Scotland Women
Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Maryam Faisal, Megan McColl, Priyanaz Chatterji, Chloe Abel, Katherine Fraser, Kathryn Bryce (c), Ailsa Lister, Pippa Sproul, Sarah Bryce (vc & wk), Abtaha Maqsood, Hannah Rainey, Kirstie McColl, Nayma Sheikh, Rachel Slater
Netherlands Women
Babette de Leede (c & wk), Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Merel Dekeling, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Sterre Kalis
Players Who Can Change the Game Single-Handedly
Sarah Bryce – The Scottish Rock
The vice-captain has scored 1475 runs in T20Is and holds the gloves. When she bats long, Scotland usually win. Simple as that. Her 38 catches and 33 stumpings also make her a nightmare for any batter who takes a risky single.
Abtaha Maqsood – The Wrist-Spin Wizard
62 T20I wickets at an economy of 5.51 tell only half the story. The leg-spinner loves big stages. Opponents still talk about her 3 for 8 spell. Today she will fancy the wearing Kirtipur pitch in the second half of the match.
Phebe Molkenboer – Dutch Calm in Chaos
Against Zimbabwe she faced 26 balls, scored 27 not out, hit four clean boundaries and steered Netherlands to a winning total. Cool head, strong technique – exactly what you need when nerves kick in.
Isabel van der Woning – The Stingy Strike Bowler
Two overs, four runs, two wickets. That spell against Zimbabwe broke the game open. Her ability to bowl tight lines on a pitch offering bounce makes her Scotland’s public enemy number one today.
Pitch and Weather: Bowlers Set to Dominate
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground has hosted 39 women’s T20s. Average first-innings score: 130. Teams batting first have won 21 times. Pacers get help early, spinners take over later. Expect captains to bowl first if they win the toss.
Weather forecast is perfect – bright sunshine, 19°C in the afternoon, zero chance of rain. Light breeze from the west, but nothing that will trouble the players.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
Scotland and Netherlands have played 12 T20Is against each other.
Scotland lead 8-4.
Last meeting: Scotland won by 10 wickets (2023).
But Netherlands are improving fast. Their victory over Zimbabwe showed grit and skill. Scotland haven’t played yet in this tournament, so match sharpness could be the only question mark.
Where to Watch Live
Date: January 20, 2025
Time: 12:45 PM IST
Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Live Streaming: FanCode app and website (India)
No TV broadcast in India, so grab your phone, subscribe to FanCode, and enjoy every ball.
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Top Picks)
Wicket-keepers: Sarah Bryce, Babette de Leede
Batters: Sterre Kalis, Ailsa Lister, Robine Rijke
All-rounders: Kathryn Bryce (c), Iris Zwilling, Frederique Overdijk
Bowlers: Abtaha Maqsood (vc), Isabel van der Woning, Caroline de Lange
Captain choice: Kathryn Bryce – she contributes with bat, ball and in the field. Vice-captain: Abtaha Maqsood if spinners dominate later.
This is more than just another qualifier match. Two proud European nations, two teams who believe they belong at the 2026 World Cup, one spot closer to reality for the winner. Scotland carry the favourite tag, but Netherlands have momentum and nothing to lose.
Whoever wins today will take a giant step towards qualification. Cricket at its purest – get ready for a classic.
Tell us in the comments: who are you backing today – Scotland or Netherlands? Drop your score predictions and favourite player!
