Scotland have qualified for the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time after beating Ireland to fight for a place in the tournament proper in Bangladesh in October.
The top two teams from the qualifying tournament in the United Arab Emirates advance to the 10-team main event in the fall, joining England, Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies and Bangladesh.
Scotland have secured the first of those remaining places after defeating Ireland by eight wickets in the semi-final thanks to a superb all-round performance from captain Kathryn Bryce.
Bryce took 4-8 from four overs, including the wickets of Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis for Ducks in the first over of the game and opposing captain Laura Delany for two in the fifth over, as Ireland fell to 47-6 before Leah Paul (45). ) and Arlene Lelly (45) brought their team to 110-9 with a score of 60.
However, this total proved insufficient as Bryce scored an unbeaten 35 from 29 balls after opener Megan McColl hit 50 from 47 balls. Scotland reached their target in 16.2 overs, qualifying for the World Cup in the 20-over or 50-over format for the first time.
Ireland, who won each of their four group stage games, missed out on their fifth T20 World Cup appearance.
Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates will play the second semi-final on Sunday afternoon. The winners will face Scotland in Bangladesh later this year.
The main tournament begins on October 3rd England assumption South Africa in the opening match before hosts Bangladesh take on one of the qualifiers later the same day.
The entire competition will be broadcast live Sky Sports While Australia are aiming to win the title for the third time in a row and England are aiming for their first win since the inaugural edition in 2009.
Women’s T20 World Cup Groups
- Group A: Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Qualification 1
- Group B: South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Qualifier 2
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