The stage is set, and Scotland’s women’s cricket team is ready to make history! The European side has announced a formidable 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, where they will battle it out for one of the two coveted spots at this year’s 50-over World Cup in India.
Scotland’s Squad for the Qualifier
Scotland has retained 12 players from their previous ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, showing faith in a well-gelled unit led by Kathryn Bryce. The team, however, will be without Australian-born all-rounder Saskia Horley, who has taken a break from international cricket, and spinner Olivia Bell, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
This opens the door for young sensation Pippa Sproul, who finished as Scotland’s leading run-scorer in the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup earlier this year. Scotland coach Craig Wallace is confident in the teenager’s ability to shine on the big stage:
“Pippa has received her first call-up, and I’m really excited for her. She has an incredible temperament, and she knows her game well. This will be an amazing experience for her.”
Scotland Women’s Squad for ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier:
- Kathryn Bryce (c)
- Chloe Abel
- Abbi Aitken-Drummond
- Sarah Bryce (wk)
- Darcey Carter
- Priyanaz Chatterji
- Katherine Fraser
- Ailsa Lister (wk)
- Abtaha Maqsood
- Megan McColl
- Hannah Rainey
- Nayma Sheikh
- Rachel Slater
- Pippa Sproul
- Ellen Watson (wk)
Scotland’s Road to the 50-Over World Cup
The Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier will take place in Pakistan, where Scotland will face off against West Indies, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ireland, and Thailand. Only two teams will secure a place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.
Coach Wallace is aware of the challenges ahead but remains optimistic:
“Qualifiers are brutal. There’s no room for mistakes, but we believe we have the squad to make it through. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase our growth and resilience.”
He also emphasized that playing in Pakistan will be a unique challenge:
“It’s a new experience for many of our players, but some have been there before. We’ll lean on their experience and adapt quickly to the conditions.”
Key Players to Watch
Kathryn Bryce (Captain, All-rounder)
The experienced skipper will lead from the front, both with bat and ball. Her ability to handle pressure situations will be crucial for Scotland’s campaign.
Sarah Bryce (Wicketkeeper-batter)
One of Scotland’s most consistent performers, Sarah’s skills behind the stumps and her aggressive batting make her a key asset for the team.
Pippa Sproul (Batter)
The young sensation is coming off a fantastic Under-19 World Cup campaign. If she can replicate her form, Scotland will have a strong chance of making history.
Abtaha Maqsood (Spinner)
Spin could play a huge role in Pakistan’s conditions, and Maqsood’s variations will be Scotland’s trump card against subcontinental teams.
Scotland’s Chances: Can They Qualify?
While West Indies and Bangladesh enter the tournament as favorites, Scotland has been steadily improving over the last few years. If they can execute their game plans efficiently and avoid collapses under pressure, a top-two finish is well within reach.
Coach Wallace summed it up perfectly:
“We just have to focus on ourselves and play our brand of cricket. We’ve learned a lot in the last 12 months, and we’re ready for this challenge.”
FAQs
The tournament will be held in Pakistan next month, where teams will compete for two spots in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.
Scotland will face West Indies, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ireland, and Thailand. West Indies and Bangladesh are expected to be the toughest challengers.
Saskia Horley has taken a break from international cricket, and Olivia Bell is out due to a shoulder injury.
Kathryn Bryce will lead the Scotland team.
Scotland has a competitive squad, and if they perform consistently, they have a realistic shot at securing a top-two finish.
Conclusion
Scotland’s squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier is packed with talent, experience, and youthful energy. With a strong leadership group, an exciting young prospect in Pippa Sproul, and a determined squad, Scotland has a golden opportunity to make history by qualifying for their first-ever 50-over World Cup.
Will they rise to the occasion? Time will tell, but one thing is certain—Scotland is ready for the fight! 🏏🔥
