Ahead of the official start of the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE on Thursday, October 3, teams began their campaign with warm-up matches from Saturday. The first two warm-up matches saw debutant Scotland taking on Pakistan, while Sri Lanka locked horns with hosts Bangladesh.
Scotland stun Pakistan
Kathryn and Sarah Bryce played pivotal roles in Scotland's victory over Pakistan in Dubai. Kathryn, the elder sister, took three wickets for 22 runs, including two consecutive wickets in her final over. Olivia Bell's crucial dismissal of Nida Dar for just four runs helped contain Pakistan. Despite steady contributions from Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail, who scored 27 and 30, respectively, and a late effort from captain Fatima Sana with 20 off 14 balls, Pakistan could only manage 132 for nine in 20 overs.
In response, Scotland was in control, losing just one wicket by the 12th over. Saskia Horley fell just short of her fifty with 48, before Kathryn Bryce joined Sarah, who led the charge with an unbeaten 60 as Scotland reached their target with two overs to spare.
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In response, Scotland was in control, losing just one wicket by the 12th over. Saskia Horley fell just short of her fifty with 48, before Kathryn Bryce joined Sarah, who led the charge with an unbeaten 60 as Scotland reached their target with two overs to spare.
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Sri Lanka upset hosts
In another match, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 33 runs, powered by a 58-run partnership between Hasini Perera (43) and Nilakshika Silva (30). Sri Lanka posted 143 for seven, with Harshitha Samarawickrama providing a quick start. Bangladesh's top order struggled, with captain Nigar Sultana’s 30 not out being the only notable resistance. Sugandika Kumari's hat-trick in the 13th over, which included the wickets of Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, and Rabeya Khan, left Bangladesh in tatters at 62 for seven. Sultana and Disha Biswas attempted a late comeback, but Bangladesh fell short by 33 runs, ending on 110 for nine.