Sri Lanka, Scotland seal place in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, 2024

It was a nerve-wracking end for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) side, who failed to chase down 150 in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. Chasing 150, a lot of hope were pinned on the shoulders of Esha Oza, who sized up the Sri Lankan bowlers, scoring two fours and four sixes in her 44-ball 66. 

However, a spirited bowling display from the Sri Lankan team ensured that they booked themselves a place in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will take place in Bangladesh. Batting first, Sri Lanka could only post 149, thanks to Vishmi Gunaratne’s 45, which held the ship together. 

Late cameos from Kavisha Dilhari (17) and Nilakshika Silva (18) led the Island nation to a good finish, scoring 43 runs in the final three overs. With the ball, skipper Chamari Athapaththu came to her side’s rescue with figures of 2/28, including the wickets of Kavisha Egodage and Samaira Dharnidharka.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 149/6 (Vishmi Gunaratne 45, Harshitha Samarawickrama 24; Esha Oza 2/27) beat the United Arab Emirates 134/7 (Esha Oza 66, Khushi Sharma 22; Chamari Athapaththu 2/28) by 15 runs

Kathyrn Bryce-led Scotland make history

In the other semi-final, Scotland created history with their first-ever qualification for the Women’s T20 World Cup. Ireland never recovered after skipper Kathyrn Bryce picked up two wickets in the first over of the innings, reducing the fellow Europeans to 1/2. 

Even skipper Laura Delany couldn’t do much, with two off seven balls, as Ireland found it tough against the Scottish bowling unit. It was a sizzling display from Bryce, who stood right up when her side needed her the most. 

In her four overs, Bryce impacted the game in ways that others could only imagine, picking up four wickets and conceding just eight runs. Despite the futile efforts of Leah Paul (45) and Arelene Kelly (35), Ireland could only get to 110, a below-par total in Abu Dhabi. 

In the run-chase, at 49/1, there were some doubts about whether Scotland could complete their historic run. But that’s when skipper Byrce combined with the opener Megan McColl to take Scotland home in a canter, knocking off 111 in just 16.2 overs. 

Rightfully, Byrce was named the Player of the Match, as she finished the clash with figures of 4/8 and a batting display of 35 off 29 deliveries, steading the ship while chasing.

Brief Scores: Scotland 112 for 2 (Megan McColl 50, Kathyrn Bryce 35*; Arlene Kelly 2-28) beat Ireland 110 for 9 (Leah Paul 45, Arlene Kelly 35; Bryce 4-8, Rachel Slater 3-32) by eight wickets