Scotland Women vs Ireland Women, 2nd Match, Group B, ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 - CommentarySCOW vs IREW, 2nd Match, Group B, ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 - Commentary

That brings an end to our live coverage of today's first game. The second game between Australia Women and South Africa Women starts in a while. You can switch tabs and follow its live coverage. Bye bye for now!

Kathryn Bryce | Scotland captain: (Talk to me about the turnaround for your team.) Probably the temperature helped a little bit as well. It was like 45 degrees when we played that first game. So it was nice to be a bit more of our usual conditions out here. But I think we've had a lot of confidence coming into the last couple of weeks. And we've had a really good series up in Scotland and a good couple of warm-up games. So I think there was a lot more of a relaxed feeling coming into this game. (We've got to go back to that 100-run stand. It really sets you up to get that kind of total.) Yeah, I think it was a good total at halfway. I think from where we were, we probably felt we left a few runs out there in the last few overs. But I think the bowlers came out fantastically and set the tone, and I think our fielding was outstanding. (You've almost got to start from ground zero with every game because every game is so crucial in this tournament?) Yeah, I think we've got a lot of challenging games coming up, but I think that that's what you said, it's just take each game as it comes and reset. And I think if we play well and put in good performances, then we'll be in with a chance in each game.

Gaby Lewis | Ireland captain: (Where did it go wrong with the bowling effort, do you think?) I think it was probably that middle period. I think we had a good start, as you said. And yeah, I think that middle period just slipped away. Scotland ran really well, played really well. And yeah, hats off to them. (Where did the chase falter?) It's hard to pinpoint down, I think, at the period, I think at the mid-innings, I think we had a great finish with the ball. I think they were 19 for 2 in the last four overs, which is brilliant. So the momentum was with us early on. Maybe, I guess powerplay, if we had a better powerplay, it's hard to put a finger on which phase of the game. But I guess, look, go back to the drawing board and hopefully improve next game. (What is your message to the team as you head back into the dressing room?) I think it's a long tournament. Like, we still have four more games. There's still teams that we feel that we can really put a fight against and hopefully beat. So I think, just to stick, regroup, stick together. And yeah, that's all I can say.

Kathryn Bryce | Player of the Match: I think there's a lot of emotions flying around at the moment. It was absolutely outstanding. I think looking at the crowds and the support for both teams was absolutely outstanding. So just a massive thanks to all the people that have travelled down. (What was the plan of how to take back the advantage that Ireland had secured early on?) I think just to go to our strong options and run really well. I think the outfield was pretty slow early on, so I think we got up and down really well. And I think the way that Sarah attacked through that middle period made it really easy for me at the other end. (How important is it for you to be able to perform in all facets of the game?) Yeah, I was really pleased to be able to go out there and do that today and kind of set the tone for the competition. I always just kind of want to be able to put in a performance for the team. (What is your message to the fans about coming out to support?) Just a massive thank you. They've supported us all the way through the game, right throughout. There's a lot of blue flags, a lot of green flags out there. So yeah, the support was absolutely outstanding.

13:34 Local Time, 12:34 GMT, 18:04 IST: Scotland have gotten their campaign off to the perfect start with a convincing all-round victory to open their account in the tournament. For Ireland, apart from winning the toss, very little went according to plan. Although they struck twice in the powerplay to remove both Scottish openers, they failed to build on that early momentum. The turning point came through a superb partnership between the Bryce sisters, Sarah and Kathryn. The duo steadied the innings and then shifted gears brilliantly, putting Scotland firmly in control. Sarah fell agonisingly short of a half-century with 49, while Kathryn produced a match-winning 60 to lay the foundation for a strong total, despite Ireland’s late fightback. In response, Ireland suffered an early setback with the dismissal of Dalzell, leaving them on the back foot from the outset. Amy Hunter battled hard to keep the chase alive, but lacked substantial support from the other end as the required rate continued to climb. Kirstie Gordon then delivered the decisive blow with a brilliant spell that yielded three wickets, effectively ending Ireland’s hopes. From there, Scotland maintained control and eventually sealed a comfortable 40-run win.

Kathryn Bryce to Aimee Maguire, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Katherine Fraser to Cara Murray, THATS OUT!! Caught&Bowled!!