Ireland Elects to Bowl Against Scotland in T20 World Cup 2026

Ireland elected to bowl first in their maiden T20 World Cup match against Scotland in Manchester.

Pitch and conditions Ireland’s captain Gaby Lewis explained that the decision to bowl first was shaped by the pitch’s condition, which had remained covered before the match. The Irish side aimed to capitalize on the overcast weather for their bowling attack. Scotland’s captain Kathryn Bryce agreed, noting she would also have chosen to bowl first and suggested a larger playing area might slow the ball down. ## Team selections Ireland named two spinners in Cara Murray and Aimee Maguire, leaving medium pacer Louise Little out of the XI. Scotland picked only one spinner, Kirstie Gordon, who became the first woman to feature for two nations at a T20 World Cup—previously representing England in 2018, with five men having achieved this before her. ## Pitch insights and boundaries Pitch reviewer Charles Dagnall anticipated a surface that would favor low totals, adding that the chasing team would have an advantage at Old Trafford. The straight boundaries measured approximately 70 meters, while the square boundaries were 60 and 61 meters respectively. ## Tournament context Scotland made their second consecutive appearance at the T20 World Cup, whereas Ireland were seeking their first win in the event after 17 prior failures. The hosts entered the tournament with momentum, having defeated West Indies and Pakistan in a home tri-series. Across 15 T20I meetings, Ireland had claimed victory in nine of those contests. ## Starting XIs Ireland’s lineup included Amy Hunter (wk), Alana Dalzell, Gaby Lewis (c), Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Leah Paul, Alice Tector, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray and Aimee Maguire. Scotland named Darcey Carter, Katherine Fraser, Kathryn Bryce (c), Sarah Bryce (wk), Megan McColl, Priyanaz Chatterji, Ailsa Lister, Rachel Slater, Chloe Abel, Kirstie Gordon and Gabriella Fontenla.