Bryce sisters and Gordon set up Scotland’s 40-run win over Ireland

Scotland made a strong start to their Women’s T20 World Cup with a 40-run win over Ireland at Old Trafford on Saturday. A third-wicket stand of 106 between captain Kathryn Bryce and her sister Sarah carried Scotland to 161 for 5, and the bowlers did the rest, dismissing Ireland for 121 with five balls remaining.

The Bryce sisters build the platform

Ireland won the toss and put Scotland in, and for a while the decision looked a good one. Scotland slipped to 37 for 2 inside the powerplay before the Bryce sisters took over. Kathryn, the captain, made 60 off 39 balls with six fours and a six, while Sarah added 49 from 35, and the pair put on 106 for the third wicket to wrench the innings back in Scotland’s favour.

Ireland pulled things back at the death once the stand was broken. Sarah Bryce fell for 49 in the 18th over and Kathryn was dismissed near the end of the innings, and Ava Canning’s three for 27 kept the total to 161 rather than something well beyond reach. It still left Ireland chasing a demanding 162 against a confident opponent.

Gordon and Fraser tear through the chase

Ireland never got going. Amy Hunter top-scored with 39 and Orla Prendergast struck a brisk 33, but in between the innings fell apart in the middle overs. From 67 for 3, Ireland slumped to 70 for 6, losing three wickets for the addition of just three runs, and the chase never recovered from there.

Kirstie Gordon was the chief tormentor with three for 16 from her four overs, and Katherine Fraser matched her with three for 19. Ireland were bowled out for 121 in 19.1 overs, handing Scotland a comfortable win in what was the two sides’ first meeting at a World Cup.

It is an encouraging opening result for Scotland, who will fancy their chances of causing more trouble in the group. Ireland, beaten inside the first round, will need to regroup quickly.

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