Ireland missed out on qualification for the Women’s T20 World Cup as Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce led from the front in an eight-wicket win in the qualifier semi-final in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Bryce took four wickets for just eight runs off her four overs as Ireland were limited to 110 for nine after choosing to bat.
It could have been even worse for Ireland as they slumped to 25 for five before a late charge from all-rounders Leah Paul (45) and Arlene Kelly (35) dragged the score up into triple figures.
Set 111 to win, Scotland stormed to victory as opener Megan McColl scored exactly 50 for her maiden international T20 half-century before an unbeaten 35 from skipper Bryce saw them over the line with 22 balls to spare.
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Victory earned Scotland their place in this year’s World Cup in Bangladesh and they will now face either Sri Lanka or hosts the United Arab Emirates in the qualifier final on Tuesday.