Women’s T20 World Cup, Group 2, Old Trafford
Scotland 161-5 (20 overs): K Bryce 60, S Bryce 49; Canning 3-27
Ireland 121 (19.1 overs): Hunter 39; Gordon 3-16, Fraser 3-19
Scotland won by 40 runs
Scotland secured their first T20 World Cup win thanks to an impressive 40-run victory over Ireland in the Old Trafford opener.
A superb 106-run partnership between skipper Kathryn Bryce (60) and her sister Sarah Bryce (49) helped the Scots to 161-5 from their 20 overs.
Kirstie Gordon took three wickets in an over as the Irish struggled in reply and they were bowled out for 121.
Scotland tasted victory for a first time at the fifth attempt while Ireland’s miserable T20 World Cup record continues, having lost all 18 games.
Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl first in a cold, windy and mainly overcast Manchester.
It looked to be a good decision as the Scots were reduced to 36-2, but the Bryce sisters changed the momentum of the match with a decisive third-wicket partnership.
Kathryn’s quickfire 60 from 39 balls included six boundaries and a six while the pair piled up 36 runs from just two overs.
Ireland will rue two chances to dismiss the Scottish captain with Alana Dalzell misjudging the flight of the ball on the boundary before Alice Tector spilled an easier opportunity.
Ireland pegged back Scotland in the final overs to keep the target down to 162 with Ava Canning (3-27) the pick of the bowlers.
The Irish needed a strong start with the bat and reached 37-1 before losing the key wicket of captain Gaby Lewis (11), who was stumped from a Katherine Fraser delivery.
Amy Hunter top-scored with 39 and Orla Prendergast made 33 but the Irish were undone by impressive spin bowling from Gordon (3-16) and Fraser (3-19).
Gordon’s three wickets came in the same over to leave Ireland on 70-6 and from there Scotland eased to victory, their fourth in a row against Saturday’s opponents.
Ireland are back in action against hosts England on Tuesday at Southampton while next up for the Scots is a Headingly meeting with West Indies on Thursday.
