Scotland Women Stun Pakistan Women in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-Up Clash

In a match that many anticipated would be a straightforward outing for one of Asia’s stronger cricketing sides, the Scotland Women’s cricket team pulled off a stunning upset over Pakistan Women during a warm-up match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Played at the 7he Sevens Stadium in Dubai on September 28, 2024, this fixture turned into a memorable triumph for the underdog Scottish side, who chased down the target with eight wickets to spare and two full overs remaining.

This win not only boosted Scotland’s confidence ahead of the global event but also served as a wake-up call for the Pakistan Women’s team, exposing chinks in their batting and bowling departments.

Pre-Match Context: Warm-Up With a Purpose

Although technically a warm-up match, the stakes were high for both teams. For Pakistan, this match was an opportunity to fine-tune their combinations and build momentum ahead of their T20 World Cup campaign. For Scotland, an Associate nation looking to punch above its weight on the global stage, it was a moment to prove their credentials and gain invaluable experience against higher-ranked opponents.

The pitch at 7he Sevens Stadium, known for its balance between bat and ball, offered a fair contest. Both teams approached the match with a serious mindset, fielding their strongest available squads.

Pakistan’s Innings: A Faltering Start and Lack of Partnerships

Opting to bat first, Pakistan Women struggled to get out of the blocks. The top order collapsed under disciplined bowling from the Scots. Sadaf Shamas fell early, scoring just 2 runs. Sidra Ameen, one of Pakistan’s more experienced batters, also failed to get going and was dismissed for 4.

Captain Nida Dar, expected to anchor the innings, was caught for a modest 4. By the end of the Powerplay, Pakistan had only managed a run-a-ball 30, with three wickets already down. The middle order, led by Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail, attempted to stabilize the innings. Muneeba contributed 27 runs off 22 balls, displaying intent with a couple of boundaries and a six.

Omaima Sohail was the top scorer for Pakistan with a composed 30 off 29 balls. However, no player could capitalize on the starts, and the team kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The Scottish bowlers kept the pressure on with tight lines and clever variations.

Key Bowling Figures for Scotland:

• Kathryn Bryce: 3/20 — leading from the front with accuracy and control

• Olivia Bell: 2/16 — consistent and clever in the middle overs

• Abtaha Maqsood: 2/21 — brought in key breakthroughs with her leg spin

Pakistan eventually ended at 132/9 in 20 overs, a total that was neither imposing nor easy to defend in T20 cricket.

Scotland’s Chase: Calm, Calculated, and Commanding

In reply, Scotland Women started their innings with confidence and clarity. Openers Sarah Bryce and Saskia Horley constructed a formidable partnership, combining caution with aggression. They made excellent use of the Powerplay, reaching 50 without loss in the first 7 overs.

Saskia Horley was particularly effective against the spinners, using her feet well and finding gaps in the field. Her 48 off 42 balls included six boundaries and set the tone for the chase. She eventually fell just short of a half-century, but by then, Scotland were firmly in the driver’s seat.

Sarah Bryce held one end with maturity, pacing her innings perfectly. She remained unbeaten on 60 off 52 balls, anchoring the innings with composure and finesse. Supported by Kathryn Bryce in the final few overs, the duo ensured there were no hiccups in the final stretch.

Scotland reached the target in 18 overs, finishing at 133/2, claiming a historic 8-wicket win.

Match Summary:

• Pakistan Women: 132/9 (20 overs)

  • Omaima Sohail: 30 (29)

  • Muneeba Ali: 27 (22)

  • Kathryn Bryce: 3/20

  • Olivia Bell: 2/16

• Scotland Women: 133/2 (18 overs)

  • Sarah Bryce: 60* (52)

  • Saskia Horley: 48 (42)

  • Win by 8 wickets

What This Means for Both Teams

For Scotland:

This win was not just a warm-up victory — it was a statement. Defeating a Full Member nation on the eve of a major tournament provides a morale boost and validates their progress in women’s cricket. Players like Sarah Bryce and Kathryn Bryce are establishing themselves as match-winners on the international stage, and performances like these only increase their stock.

The team showcased tactical awareness, effective execution of plans, and composure under pressure — all traits that will serve them well in the group stages of the T20 World Cup.

For Pakistan:

This loss will undoubtedly raise questions about team composition and execution. While a warm-up match is meant for experimentation, the lack of partnerships and below-par bowling spells are areas of concern. Senior players like Nida Dar and Sidra Ameen will need to shoulder more responsibility in the main matches.

Pakistan will look to regroup, reassess their strategy, and tighten their fielding and bowling units if they are to be serious contenders in the tournament.

Looking Ahead: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

The match sets the tone for an exciting tournament. With more Associate teams challenging the established sides, the 2024 edition promises to be one of the most competitive yet. Upsets like this are a testament to the growth of women’s cricket globally.

Both Pakistan and Scotland will now look to build on this game — one to correct course, the other to ride the momentum.

Conclusion

Scotland Women’s victory over Pakistan Women in the warm-up match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be remembered as a landmark moment. It was a display of grit, skill, and belief. For Pakistan, it’s a timely reminder that every game counts, even in the build-up.

As the world turns its attention to the main tournament, one thing is certain: the gap between the traditional powers and the emerging teams is narrowing — and that’s great news for the game.

Would you like this article formatted for a blog, published as a PDF, or accompanied by visuals or social media captions?