In a match that had everything — runs, drama, nerves, and a last-ball finish — Ireland Women pulled off a thrilling one-wicket victory over Scotland Women, chasing down 269 in a game destined to be remembered for more than just the final scoreline. While the win sparked celebration in the Irish camp, it also triggered waves of debate and frustration as Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce, who delivered a performance for the ages, walked off without the Player of the Match award.
At the heart of Ireland’s successful chase was former skipper Laura Delany, whose unbeaten 57 off 63 balls proved crucial. Coming in under immense pressure with the game in the balance, Delany held her nerve and steered her team home with a calmness that belied the circumstances. Her innings was instrumental and deservedly praised, and in the end, she was named Player of the Match for her finishing act. But what might’ve seemed like a fair decision at first glance quickly became the focal point of controversy.
That’s because across both innings, no player had a greater influence on the match than Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce. Walking in after the loss of a wicket in the very first over, Bryce took complete control of the innings with a knock of rare composure and class. Her unbeaten 131 off 137 balls was not only a personal milestone — it was the backbone of Scotland’s record total of 268. The innings was built on grit, precision, and strategic acceleration, including a blistering late flourish that saw 52 runs added with Rachel Slater in just 30 balls.
Bryce’s ability to craft partnerships under pressure showcased her adaptability. She stitched together crucial stands with Ailsa Lister (62 runs), Katherine Fraser (65), and Priyanaz Chatterji (51), each reflecting a different phase of the innings and Bryce’s capacity to shift gears seamlessly. Her innings accounted for nearly half her side’s total — a masterclass in anchoring and pacing.
As if that wasn’t enough, Bryce backed it up with the ball, producing a remarkable spell of 10 overs, 2 maidens, 29 runs, and 3 wickets. She accounted for key Irish batters including the dangerous Orla Prendergast and middle-order threat Sophie MacMahon, tightening the screws on Ireland throughout her spell. It was an all-round performance that had everything — poise, impact, and dominance — and for many, it was the defining performance of the match.
One of the first to voice what countless others felt was former Scottish international Kirstie Gordon. In a post-match reaction that resonated widely, she took to social media to express her disbelief at Bryce’s omission.
“Don’t understand when one player has a simply incredible game, they don’t get the ‘player of the match’ award because they were on the losing side. @ICC Undoubtedly player of the match and IMO the player of the tournament @Kathryn_Bryce that was pretty good. Gutted it wasn’t to be.”
Gordon’s tweet didn’t just echo disappointment — it captured the broader sentiment shared across the cricket world. How could such a dominant display — with bat and ball — go unrecognized purely because the player ended up on the losing side?
There’s no denying Laura Delany’s cool-headed finish under pressure, which sealed Ireland’s narrow win. But when a player not only rescues her team from 1 for 1 with a century, then comes back to break open the opposition’s chase with a triple strike — and still walks away empty-handed — the cricketing world takes notice.
