Scotland Women have taken a 1-0 lead in the four-match T20I series following their 11-run win over Ireland Women in a low-scoring contest at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast, on 24 May.
After Scotland posted 87/9, their captain Kathryn Bryce (3.3-0-8-2), Katie McGill (4-0-18-3) and Katherine Fraser (4-0-15-2) bowled out Ireland for 76 with three balls to spare. The other three Irish batters were run out.
Earlier, Orla Prendergast (4-0-19-1) and debutant Ava Canning (4-0-17-1) set the tone for Ireland. Scotland struggled to get going throughout the innings. McGill top-scored with 20, while no Scotland batter scored in excess of 15. Celeste Raack (3-0-15-3) and captain Laura Delaney (3-0-13-2) did the most damage for Ireland.
Chasing a mere 88, Ireland only managed to score 12 runs in the first six overs of Powerplay. During that period, Bryce and Priyanaz Chatterji (3-1-3-0) were excellent with their line and length. Their compatriots did the same throughout the innings to keep the opponents on back foot.
Ireland were 48/7 in 15.3 overs, and four overs later, they bowled out for 76. Coming at No. 8, Leah Paul top-scored with 18 before being run out by Katherine Bryce. Sarah Bryce effected four stumpings, one of them off her sister, Katherine. For a complete all-round show, McGill bagged the Player of the Match trophy.
Brief Scores:
Scotland 87/9 in 20 overs (Katie McGill 20; Celeste Raack 3-15) beat Ireland 76 in 19.3 overs (Leah Paul 18; Katie McGill 3-18) by 11 runs. Player of the Match: Katie McGill.