Ireland’s thrilling win over Scotland paves way for Bangladesh's qualification

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025

Ireland’s thrilling win over Scotland paves way for Bangladesh's qualification

Pic courtesy ICC

Asher Butt 

In a heart-stopping encounter at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night, Ireland claimed a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Scotland in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025. The result not only showcased Ireland's fighting spirit but also ended Scotland's World Cup hopes while confirming Bangladesh's qualification for the tournament.

Laura Delany emerged as Ireland's hero, remaining unbeaten on 57 to guide her team home in a tense run chase. The victory means Bangladesh, who now have six points, can celebrate qualification alongside Pakistan. The scheduled clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh on Saturday now carries no significance for qualification purposes.

Earlier, Scotland posted a challenging 268-7 in their allotted 50 overs, built around captain Kathryn Bryce's magnificent maiden century. Bryce crafted an unbeaten 131, receiving valuable support from Katherine Fraser (33), Ailsa Lister (27), and Priyanaz Chatterji (26).

The Scottish innings gained momentum after a difficult start that saw them reduced to 19-3 during the mandatory powerplay. Bryce's resilience was evident as she reached her half-century off 72 balls and accelerated to complete her century from 122 deliveries, eventually finishing with 11 boundaries.

For Ireland, Ava Canning was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-48, while Cara Murray claimed 2-48. Orla Prendergast and Jane Maguire chipped in with one wicket each.

Ireland's pursuit began confidently as openers Sarah Forbes and Gaby Lewis constructed a solid 100-run partnership. Forbes scored 55 while captain Lewis contributed 61, giving Ireland an excellent platform.

The middle order maintained the momentum with Orla Prendergast adding a brisk 33. However, Scotland fought back through Kathryn Bryce's inspired bowling spell (3-49), creating tension in the contest.

Laura Delany stood firm amid the pressure, reaching her half-century off 55 balls with four boundaries. A crucial eighth-wicket partnership of 50 runs between Delany and Jane Maguire (28) proved decisive as Ireland crossed the line with their last pair at the crease.

Scotland's bowlers put up a valiant effort with Katherine Fraser taking 2-37 and Chloe Abel claiming 2-50, but they ultimately fell short of defending their total.

With this result, Bangladesh join Pakistan as the two teams to advance from the qualifiers to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. Scotland's campaign ends in heartbreak despite Kathryn Bryce's all-round excellence throughout the tournament.

Scores in brief

Scotland 268-7, 50 overs (Kathryn Bryce 131 not out, Katherine Fraser 33, Ailsa  Lister 27, Priyanaz Chatterji 26, Megan McColl 15, Rachel Slater 13; Ava Canning 3-48, Cara Murray 2-48, Orla Prendergast, Jane Maguire one wicket each)

Ireland Women: 269-9 in 50 overs (Sarah Forbes 55, Gaby Lewis (c) 61, Orla Prendergast 33, Laura Delany not out 57, Leah Paul 11, Jane Maguire 28; Rachel Slater 1-28, Katherine Fraser 2-37, Chloe Abel 2-50, Kathryn Bryce 3-49).

Ireland win by one wicket