Scotland Women's Cricket Team Secures Impressive 8-Wicket Victory Over Pakistan in WT20WC Warm-Up

Akash Deep -

In the first warm-up match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Scotland Women's cricket team delivered a stellar performance to defeat Pakistan Women by 8 wickets at the 7he Sevens Stadium in Dubai on September 28, 2024.

Pakistan Women, after being put in to bat, struggled to build a strong foundation. They lost wickets at regular intervals, with Sadaf Shamas falling early, caught by Priyanaz Chatterji off Kathryn Bryce's delivery. The team continued to lose wickets, with Sidra Amin and Nida Dar also departing in the early overs, courtesy of Olivia Bell's bowling.

The Pakistani innings was further dented when Gull Feroza was trapped LBW by Abtaha Maqsood, reducing Pakistan to 35-4 inside seven overs. Despite a brief resistance from Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, who scored 27 off 22 balls, and Omaima Sohail, who contributed 30 runs, Pakistan could only manage a total of 132/9 in their 20 overs. Kathryn Bryce was the standout bowler for Scotland, taking 3-20.

Scotland's Dominant Chase

Scotland Women began their chase in emphatic style, with Saskia Horley and Sarah Bryce forming a solid 73-run opening partnership. Horley scored 48 runs before being caught by Diana Baig off Nashra Sundhu, but Sarah Bryce continued to anchor the innings, eventually remaining unbeaten on 60 runs. Her aggressive play in the later overs, including a huge six over mid-wicket, ensured Scotland reached their target with ease.

With the asking rate touching eight runs per over in the final six overs, Sarah Bryce accelerated the scoring, hitting 28 runs in just 10 deliveries. Although Kathryn Bryce fell in the penultimate over, Scotland wrapped up the victory in 18 overs, winning by 8 wickets. Megan McColl hit the winning run, ensuring a convincing start to Scotland's World Cup preparations.

This victory marks a significant boost for Scotland Women as they prepare for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, showcasing their team's depth and resilience in competitive cricket.