In a nerve-wracking encounter at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, the Ireland Women’s cricket team secured a thrilling one-wicket win over Scotland Women in the 13th match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2025. The match went down to the wire, with Ireland chasing down a competitive target of 269 on the final ball of the innings, keeping their qualification hopes alive in style.
Bryce Shines But Falls Short of Victory
Scotland, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, were led by an extraordinary knock from captain Kathryn Bryce, who played a magnificent unbeaten innings of 131 off 137 balls. Her classy performance held the innings together, allowing Scotland to post a formidable 268/7 in 50 overs.
Youngster Katherine Fraser contributed a handy 33 off 38 balls, while opener Ailsa Lister added 27 off 28 to give early momentum. However, Ireland’s bowlers kept chipping away at the other end. Ava Canning was the pick of the bowlers with 3/48 in her 7 overs, while Cara Murray delivered a disciplined spell of 2/48 from her full quota.
Ireland’s Rollercoaster Run-Chase
Ireland’s chase began steadily, anchored by opener Gaby Lewis, who scored a composed 61 off 72 balls. She was well supported by Sarah Forbes, whose 55 off 66 balls kept the scoreboard ticking during the middle overs. But the Scottish bowlers struck regularly to ensure the match remained in balance.
Captain Laura Delany emerged as the hero for Ireland with a gritty unbeaten 57 off 63 balls, steering her side through a tense final phase. With wickets falling around her and the required run rate climbing, Delany held her nerve to take the game deep. In a dramatic last over, Ireland needed just a handful of runs, but with nine wickets down, the pressure was immense.
With zero balls to spare, Ireland scraped through to 269/9, sealing one of the most thrilling wins of the tournament.
Scotland’s Brave Fight
Despite the loss, Scotland’s bowlers showed immense character. Kathryn Bryce completed an all-round performance with figures of 3/49 in her 9 overs. Katherine Fraser also starred with the ball, taking 2/37 from her 10 overs and keeping things tight during the middle overs. Chloe Abel chipped in with two wickets but proved expensive under pressure.
What’s Next
This win places Ireland Women in a strong position in the World Cup Qualifier standings, while Scotland will now need to reassess their path forward. Both teams showcased high-quality cricket, and matches like these underline the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket on the global stage.
Match Summary:
Scotland Women: 268/7 (50 overs)
Kathryn Bryce 131* (137), Katherine Fraser 33 (38)
Ava Canning 3/48, Cara Murray 2/48
Ireland Women: 269/9 (50 overs)
Gaby Lewis 61 (72), Laura Delany 57* (63), Sarah Forbes 55 (66)
Kathryn Bryce 3/49, Katherine Fraser 2/37
Result: Ireland Women won by 1 wicket (0 balls remaining)
Ireland Women vs Scotland Women 2025, Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, Gaddafi Stadium thriller, Kathryn Bryce 131*, Laura Delany match-winner, Ireland last-ball win, Women’s ODI cricket news, ICC Women’s Qualifier 2025, Ireland Women cricket team news, Scotland Women vs Ireland Women scorecard
