Match 2: Ireland v Scotland

June 14, 2026 Rob Harvey 4 Views Ireland, Scotland

Historic Victory for the Wildcats

A Kathryn Bryce inspired Scotland scored their first every victory at a World Cup, defeating Ireland at Old Trafford by 40 runs.

It was a bleak Manchester morning and while there was rain threatening, it failed to eventuate. Ireland’s Gaby Lewis won the toss and elected to field. Amy Maguire and Arlene Kelly opened the bowling for Ireland and were met with predictable belligerence from Darcey Carter and Katherine Fraser.

The two made merry until the fifth over when Fraser was dismissed. Carter followed her in the sixth over. That was as good as it got for Ireland, with Kathryn Bryce (60) and Sarah Bryce (49) – that brace of Bryces – plundering the attack for a century partnership in very good time.

The total of 161/5 might have been more, but many a ball plugged in the outfield that might have ordinarily gone to the boundary. Nonetheless, it was a good total. Best with the ball for Ireland was Ava Canning with 3-27.

Ireland lost Alana Dalzell early and then shortly after, disaster, when they lost gun batter, Gaby Lewis. Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast motored along in reasonable fashion, but as the required rate kept rising it forced too many risks. If it wasn’t all over beforehand, it certainly was with the runout of Prendergast. Ireland had nothing left in the tank.

Kathryn Bryce was rightly named Player of the match for her 60 runs and two wickets. Scotland pick up their first ever World Cup points.