Scotland booked their place at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England with a 41-run over the USA.
Having achieved a historic first-ever Women’s World Cup qualification in 2024, the Scots are heading to a second-consecutive appearance at June’s showpiece event.
Batting first, Scotland posted an imposing 178-8, a target the USA needed to chase down with eight balls remaining to overtake the Scots’ net run rate – but they fell short, as they were bowled out for 137 in 19 overs.
Scotland Captain Kathryn Bryce said: “I think it hit a little bit towards the end, it’s been a long tournament and a busy couple of weeks, for it to come down to the last game was exciting for the tournament, and playing under that pressure and enjoying that pressure is great for the squad.
“It’s been fantastic, so many people have chipped in at different times, that’s what helps makes a successful campaign, you need those contributions from everyone.
“It’s been great to lead this group of girls.”
After conceding 191 to Bangladesh in their defeat last time out, Scotland set about posting a similar total against the USA, as Darcey Carter and Katherine Fraser got their side off to a flier – racing to 42 in three overs.
Although Fraser (17) and Kathryn Bryce (0) fell in consecutive balls to Tara Norris, Carter continued to take the aggressive approach – her side reached 75-2 at the end of the powerplay, and she would bring up her half-century in just 30 deliveries.
Maahi Madavhan pegged Scotland back as she struck twice in three balls to reduce the Scots to 117-5 in the 12th over – but Ailsa Lister (43) and Priyanaz Chatterji (39) both made important contributions to help lift Scotland to 178.
In reply, the USA started positively – despite losing Disha Dhingra second ball to Kathryn Bryce – as Chetna Pagydyala (24) and Ella Claridge (35) added 61 for the second wicket.
But Fraser’s dismissal of Pagydala proved to be crucial, as Scotland snatched away any momentum the USA had, with wickets falling at regular intervals from then on.
No other USA batter was able to pass 20 as they lost nine wickets for 76 runs – Kathryn Bryce (2-29), Chloe Abel (2-16) and Priyanaz Chatterji (2-11) all striking twice – and it was Chatterji who struck to clinch Scotland’s spot at the World Cup, as Saanvi Immadi holed out to Carter.
