In the 13th game of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, Ireland will play Scotland in a much-anticipated contest at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With four points from four games, Scotland are presently ranked third in the standings, while Ireland, with a win in their most recent game are now in fourth place with just two points from four games, finally ending their losing streak.
With a marginally negative Net Run Rate of -0.052, Ireland needs to perform well once again to maintain their chances of qualification. As the competition heats up, this matchup looks to be an extremely important contest between two teams looking to make an impression and move up the ladder.
Squads:
Ireland women’s cricket team –
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast
Scotland women’s cricket team –
Kathryn Bryce (C), Chloe Abel, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Ailsa Lister, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Hannah Rainey, Nayma Sheikh, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul, Ellen Watson
Players to watch out:
Leah Paul
As an all-round player, Leah Paul has been a reliable performer for Ireland. She has scored 1140 runs at an average of 27.25 in WODIs, with the highest of 137. She has also claimed six wickets with the ball at an economy rate of 5.08, with her best returns being 2/24. With an unbeaten 67 in her last match against Thailand, she has now amassed 101 runs in the qualifier.
Cara Murray
Particularly in the limited-overs format, Cara Murray has been an important bowler for Ireland. With best bowling returns of 6/31, she has taken 46 wickets in 32 WODI matches, including two five-wicket hauls, and can also be handy with the bat on a few occasions. She has taken five wickets in four games thus far in the tournament.
Kathryn Bryce
Scotland has relied heavily on Kathryn Bryce, who has won games with the bat and the ball. In the ongoing Qualifier, she has taken three wickets and scored 162 runs in four games, with her highest score of 91 against Pakistan. In nine ODI matches, she has amassed 463 runs at a strike rate of 88 and claimed 8 wickets at an economy rate of 4.80.
Sarah Bryce
Scotland has benefited greatly from Sarah Bryce’s abilities as a wicketkeeper-batter. She offers steadiness in the middle order with 294 runs at an average of 32.66 and a strike rate of 75.52 in 9 WODI matches. Her ability to sustain innings under pressure is demonstrated by her recent efforts, which includes a solid 42 against Bangladesh. So far, in the qualifiers, she has taken 5 catches behind the stumps and 3 stumpings.
Pitch:
Spin bowlers have benefited from the Gaddafi Stadium’s surface, and the trend has continued in this competition. The surface gives spinners turn and grip, particularly in the middle overs, and has an average first-innings score of about 229. As the ball ages, stroke play becomes more difficult. To benefit from the fresher pitch and subsequent scoreboard pressure, teams who have won the toss here have preferred batting first.
Weather:
The conditions are forecasted to be clear throughout the day and into the evening. There is little likelihood of rain, a moderate humidity level of nearly 30%, and the temperature will hover around 30°C. Although it won’t greatly help swing bowling, a little breeze of 12 km/h might provide some respite to players playing under the lights.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Gaby Lewis, Sarah Bryce, Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Kathryn Bryce, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Abtaha Maqsood, Cara Murray
Match details:
Date – April 18, 2025
Time – 2:30 PM IST
Venue – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Broadcast – Fans can watch all the live action on FanCode.
