Pride at stake as Ireland face Scotland

 ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier

Pride at stake as Ireland face Scotland today

Asher Butt

Ireland will lock horns with Scotland in what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter in the 13th match of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

While both teams may have seen their World Cup dreams fade, this Celtic clash carries significant importance for regional bragging rights and future development.

Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 20 years were dashed earlier in the tournament after narrow defeats to West Indies and Bangladesh proved costly. Scotland, meanwhile, remain mathematically in contention but would need extraordinary results elsewhere, with Bangladesh and Pakistan currently occupying the top two qualifying spots.

Ireland enter the match with renewed confidence after securing their first victory of the tournament against Thailand. That 46-run win, powered by their highest total in the competition (305-4), provided some consolation after three consecutive defeats.

"Those losses to West Indies and Bangladesh were particularly painful because they were within our grasp," admitted Ireland captain Gaby Lewis. "But we showed our true potential against Thailand, and we're determined to finish the tournament on a high note."

Scotland began their campaign brilliantly with a stunning 11-run upset over West Indies but subsequent losses to Pakistan and Bangladesh have severely dented their qualification hopes. Their 58-run victory against Thailand kept them mathematically alive, but they now face an uphill battle.

The Gaddafi Stadium pitch has generally favored batting throughout the tournament, though teams have struggled to fully capitalize on the conditions. The highest score recorded in the last five matches is 276, with the average first innings total standing at 220.

Analysts note that the wicket tends to remain consistent throughout the match, with the toss having minimal impact on results.

The historical record heavily favors Ireland, who have won four of the five ODI encounters between these sides. Scotland's lone victory came in a low-scoring affair during the 2022 European qualifiers.

Ireland captain Gaby Lewis , an experienced campaigner has amassed 160 runs at an average of 40 across four matches, including a well-constructed 75 against Thailand would be the player to watch out for alongside Amy Hunter (Wicketkeeper), currently Ireland's leading run-scorer with 201 runs at an impressive average of 50.25, including a top score of 76.

Louise Little, on her part produced a maiden ODI five-wicket haul against Thailand and will be crucial to Ireland's bowling plans.

In Scotland ranks, Kathryn Bryce (Captain) is the standout performer with 162 runs at an average of 40.5 and three wickets at an economy of 6.3 as she can play a crucial role. Rachel Slater, the bowling all-rounder has been a revelation in her first major ODI tournament, claiming five wickets and scoring 68 runs across three matches, including a fighting 63 not out against Bangladesh. And not the least, Katherine Fraser, Scotland's leading wicket-taker with eight scalps at an economy of 4.53, while also contributing valuable lower-order runs would be the key in her team’s approach.

Ireland currently sit fourth in the standings with 2 points, while Scotland occupy third position with 4 points from two wins and two losses.

Despite their elimination, Ireland have shown they can produce quality cricket, particularly with their record-breaking batting performance against Thailand. Scotland, meanwhile, demonstrated their giant-killing potential by defeating West Indies.

Though both teams' World Cup dreams may be effectively over, pride, regional rivalry, and the opportunity to build momentum for future tournaments ensure this match will be fiercely contested.