Scotland Women vs Ireland Women Prediction & Match Preview – Women’s T20 World Cup

Scotland Women and Ireland Women meet in a Group A fixture at Emirates Old Trafford, both arriving after strong qualifying campaigns. Ireland finished second in the qualifier and Scotland third, each with three wins from five matches in the Super Six stage. Ireland missed the 2024 edition, while Scotland also played a tri-series against the Netherlands and Bangladesh to prepare.

Scotland’s batting rests on Sarah Bryce, who has 1,729 runs from 79 T20Is, and captain Kathryn Bryce, with 1,556 runs in 60 innings, supported by Ailsa Lister, Megan McColl, Priyanaz Chatterji and Darcey Carter. Abtaha Maqsood leads the bowling, with seam options in Rachel Slater and Olivia Bell and variety from Kirstie Gordon.

Ireland are led by Gaby Lewis, their most prolific T20I batter, with Orla Prendergast and Amy Hunter among those who have contributed regularly. Arlene Kelly has 88 T20I wickets, and Prendergast adds 63 wickets, with Cara Murray and Ava Canning also steady. Early seam movement in English conditions could favour the side that bowls first.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Emirates Old Trafford generally offers a balanced surface. Seamers can expect swing and movement early, particularly in overcast Manchester conditions, before the pitch settles and lets batters build totals. Spinners may find grip and turn in the middle overs. Sides batting first usually aim for 150–170, and above 175 is considered strong.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 135–150
• 2nd innings: 125–145

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