MANCHESTER – Ireland Women’s cricket team began their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a 40-run loss to Scotland at Old Trafford today.
After winning the toss, Ireland sent Scotland into bat in heavily overcast and gusty conditions that looked ideal for first use of the ball. After a sprightly start, Scotland’s opening pair of Darcey Carter (15) and Katherine Fraser (14) had their team at 30-0 in the fifth over, until Ireland hit back with two quick wickets leaving the Scots 37-2 at the end of the powerplay.
The Irish bowlers had their tails up, but the two wickets that fell only brought together the Bryce sisters – Kathryn and Sarah. The pair put on 106 for the 3rd wicket in just 71 balls, completely changing the momentum of the match and making batting look easy in conditions that were anything but straightforward.
Scotland lost 3-15 late on, but their final total of 161-5 from 20 overs was a highly competitive one in the circumstances. For Ireland, Ava Canning continued her good form with the ball taking 3-28.
The Irish response was measured initially, after losing opener Alana Dalzell for 6 in the first over. Amy Hunter attempted to be the mainstay, and her 36-ball 39 was – for her typical style – tempered and batting to conditions.
However, at 67-2 in the 12th over the game was completely upended for Ireland in the space of eight balls. First, Hunter was bowled by Fraser attempting a reverse sweep, then three wickets fell to Kirstie Gordon in the following over, with Ireland collapsing to 70-6.
Orla Prendergast flourished briefly and looked as though she was shaping up to be Ireland’s saviour with the bat, but she was unfortunately run out for 33 off 23 balls and the distant chances of Ireland overhauling the Scots in the remaining balls began to recede at an increasing rate.
Ireland was eventually bowled out in the 20th over, leaving Scotland a 40-run win on the day.
WHAT DOES THE RESULT MEAN?
Ireland would be very disappointed with the result given the Scottish game was the easiest on paper in the Group and Ireland is ranked two places ahead of the Scots. However, ‘on paper’ and rankings mean very little in T20 cricket where it often comes down to moments and individual performances that produce results. Also, with the Scottish side having beaten Ireland in their last clash, the Girls in Green certainly did not underestimate their opponents – they were just beaten on the day by a side that better handled the blustery conditions.
The challenge for Ireland over the next four games will be to both win as many games as they can, while simultaneously ensuring their net run rate does not slip any further. While each Group has six teams in it, only the top two will progress to the semi-finals, so it is expected to be a tight tussle.
The optimistic outlook for the Irish side is that, of the four sides they are still to play, Ireland has recorded wins over three of them in T20 cricket two years. In tournaments, form or ranking does not always dictate result, so the Girls in Green will need to quickly put this first game behind them and look forward. You can see the Group standings here.
Ireland Women’s next game at the T20 World Cup is on Tuesday at Southampton against hosts England in a 6.30pm start.
You can find all the tournament details here: https://cricketireland.ie/series/t20-world-cup-2026/.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Women v Scotland Women, T20I World Cup – 1st Group Match, Manchester, 1 June 2026
Scotland 161-5 (20 overs; K Bryce 60, S Bryce 49; A Canning 3-28)
Ireland 141 (19.1 overs; A Hunter 39; K Gordon 3-16)
Scotland won by 40 runs
