Toss Ireland chose to bowl vs Scotland

Ireland chose to bowl in their first-ever meeting against Scotland in a World Cup, either format, in Manchester on Saturday.

Ireland captain Gaby Lewis said the decision was influenced by the pitch, which had been “under covers” in the lead up to the game. The side was hoping to make the most of the cloudy conditions on match day. Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce said she would have bowled first too and felt that a “big playing surface” could mean a slower outfield.

Ireland went in with two spinners in Cara Murray and Aimee Maguire, leaving medium pacer Louise Little out. Scotland, meanwhile, opted only for one spinner, Kirstie Gordon. Gordon, in the process, became the first woman to represent two countries at the T20 World Cup – England in 2018 and now Scotland. Five men have achieved the record.

During the pitch report, Charles Dagnall said he expected it to be a “low-scoring surface”, adding that the team chasing would have a better chance at Old Trafford. The straight boundaries measured around 70m, while the square boundaries were 60m and 61m.

This is Scotland’s second straight appearance at the T20 World Cup, while Ireland are eyeing their first win in the tournament, having been unsuccessful in 17 attempts previously.

Ireland head into the T20 World Cup with confidence, having beaten West Indies and Pakistan in the tri-series at home. The two sides have met 15 times in T20Is, with Ireland winning nine of those encounters.

Ireland: 1 Amy Hunter (wk), 2 Alana Dalzell, 3 Gaby Lewis (capt), 4 Orla Prendergast, 5 Rebecca Stokell, 6 Leah Paul, 7 Alice Tector, 8 Arlene Kelly, 9 Ava Canning, 10 Cara Murray 11 Aimee Maguire

Scotland: 1 Darcey Carter, 2 Katherine Fraser, 3 Kathryn Bryce (capt), 4 Sarah Bryce (wk), 5 Megan McColl, 6 Priyanaz Chatterji, 7 Ailsa Lister, 8 Rachel Slater, 9 Chloe Abel, 10 Kirstie Gordon, 11 Gabriella Fontenla