Scotland's Women's T20 World Cup dreams took a step closer to reality as they defeated Ireland by 39 runs in the Super Six stage of the qualifier in Nepal. Captain Kathryn Bryce was the star of the show, shining with both bat and ball. She scored 30 runs from 23 balls, with her sister Sarah Bryce top-scoring with 47 runs. Katherine Fraser and Megan McColl also contributed with 36 and 27 runs, respectively, setting a formidable target for Ireland. Jane Maguire was the pick of the Irish bowlers, taking two wickets, but Alana Dalzell was expensive, conceding 44 runs from three overs. Kathryn Bryce then bowled Christina Coulter Reilly for a duck, removing three more of Ireland's top-five batters, putting Scotland in control. Ireland's captain, Gaby Lewis, stood firm with 41 runs, but the rest of the team struggled, with Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, and Louise Little all getting starts but failing to reach the target. Scotland now sit third in the Super Six table with four points and will qualify for the Women's T20 World Cup by beating Bangladesh in Kirtipur on Friday. Ireland, in fourth place with two points, will play the Netherlands in Mulpani on the same day to secure their spot in the final qualification spot for the tournament, which is being held in England from June 12th.
