Can Scotland get their stocks to rise?

Scotland are one of the surprise entries into the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Since gaining T20I status in 2018, it has been a bumpy road for the Scottish girls in terms of results but the talent in the group wasn’t ever in doubt. Therefore, it came as a laudable achievement when they qualified for the World Cup courtesy of the runners-up finish in the T20 World Cup qualifiers which were coincidentally also held in the UAE. Now, with the main tournament moved to the same region owing to political turmoil in Bangladesh, the Scots will hope to ride on their familiarity with conditions.

The challenge, however, is going to be gargantuan. Scotland’s fortunes depend immensely on the Bryce sisters – Kathyrn and Sarah – both of whom are household names as far as franchise T20 cricket is concerned. Kathyrn’s solidity with the bat and calmness with the ball make her a valuable all-rounder for any side. Sarah, the wicket-keeper, is arguably among the most aggressive middle-order batters in the game and her prowess against spin will be critical in UAE conditions. Pitted in a group with England, South Africa, West Indies and Bangladesh means that Scotland’s batters will be tested immensely.

The rest of Scotland’s squad has a bunch of talented names that probably lack the exposure and confidence of the Bryce sisters. However, if they can put in a collective effort to back up Kathyrn and Sarah, the Scots could prove to be a slippery challenge for opponents. As Pakistan found out in the warm-up game when they got beaten despite posting a decent target of 133. Scotland did get bundled out cheaply next game against Sri Lanka but the fact remains that the former can be an unpredictable threat.

Form Guide (latest T20I first): WWLWW

Squad: Kathryn Bryce(c), Sarah Bryce, Lorna Jack-Brown, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Abtaha Maqsood, Saskia Horley, Chloe Abel, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Darcey Carter, Ailsa Lister, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell.

Keep an eye on: Saskia Horley

Originally from Australia and having played U19 cricket for her native country, Saskia shifted base to Scotland. An aggressive opener by trade, she has shown immense potential in her brief career so far, although most of it has come in the 50-over format. While Scotland relies heavily on the Bryce sisters, the duo would benefit greatly if Saskia can provide the side with brisk starts. Particularly on UAE pitches where batting against the new ball might be the best time to score quickly. Saskia has also featured in the Women’s Big Bash in Australia, having represented the Sydney Thunder.

Marquee match

Needless to say, the game against big neighbours England. Heather Knight’s girls are overwhelming favourites in this contest with a doubt. The gulf between the two sides is also quite immense. However, there is something about the England-Scotland clashes across sports and genders that generates a buzz. For a World Cup debutant, this would be a game that Scotland would be most eager to win, as difficult as the challenge may be.

Full league stage schedule

vs Bangladesh | Sharjah | 4 October | 2 pm local | 3.30 pm ISTvs West Indies | Dubai | 7 October | 6 pm local | 7.30 pm IST vs South Africa | Dubai | 9 October | 2 pm local | 3.30 pm IST vs England | Sharjah | 12 October | 6 pm local | 7.30 pm IST