Cricket

Bangladesh and Scotland Face Off in Women's Cricket World Cup DebutBangladesh and Scotland will make their historic debuts in the Women's Cricket World Cup on Saturday, February 11, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.Bangladesh Squad:* Nigar Sultana (capt, wk)* Nahida Akter* Murshida Khatun* Shorna Akter* Ritu Moni* Sobhana Mostary* Rabeya Khan* Sultana Khatun* Fahima Khatun* Marufa Akter* Jahanara Alam* Dilara Akter* Taj Nehar* Shathi Rani* Disha BiswasScotland Squad:* Kathryn Bryce (capt)* Chloe Abel* Abbi Aitken-Drummond* Olivia Bell* Sarah Bryce (wk)* Darcey Carter* Priyanaz Chatterji* Katherine Fraser* Saskia Horley* Lorna Jack* Ailsa Lister* Abtaha Maqsood* Megan McColl* Hannah Rainey* Rachel SlaterTournament Form Guide:In the pre-tournament warm-up games, Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka by 33 runs but defeated Pakistan by 23 runs. Scotland, on the other hand, beat Pakistan by eight wickets but lost to Sri Lanka by five wickets.Player to Watch: Nahida AkterNahida Akter, with 99 T20I wickets, is on the cusp of becoming the first Bangladeshi woman and only the third Bangladeshi player overall to reach 100 T20I wickets. Her ability to exploit the right-handed batters in Scotland's lineup could prove crucial for Bangladesh's success.Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: A Battle of Former ChampionsIn the evening match at Sharjah, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, both former champions, will clash in a highly anticipated encounter.Pakistan Squad:* Fatima Sana (capt)* Aliya Riaz* Diana Baig* Gull Feroza* Iram Javed* Muneeba Ali (wk)* Nashra Sandhu* Nida Dar* Omaima Sohail* Sadaf Shamas* Sadia Iqbal* Sidra Amin* Syeda Aroob Shah* Tasmia Rubab* Tuba HassanSri Lanka Squad:* Chamari Athapaththu (capt)* Harshitha Samarawickrama* Vishmi Gunaratne* Kavisha Dilshari* Nilakshika Silva* Hasini Perera* Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)* Sachini Nisansala* Udeshika Prabodhani* Inoshi Priyadharshani* Achini Kulasuriya* Inoka Ranaweera* Shashini Gimhani* Ama Kanchana* Sugandika KumariTournament Form Guide:Pakistan lost both their warm-up games, while Sri Lanka emerged victorious in both.Player to Watch: Chamari AthapaththuChamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka's captain and star batter, will be under the spotlight as her team aims to live up to their status as tournament dark horses. Her leadership and batting prowess will be key to Sri Lanka's success.

Bangladesh's Nigar Sultana is determined to lead her team to victory in their opening match of the Women's T20 World Cup against Scotland on October 3. A win would be a significant milestone for Bangladesh, who have not won a match in their last four World Cup appearances and have only one victory in five editions.Sultana emphasizes that Bangladesh is not underestimating Scotland. "We want to win the first match," she said. "It will be a huge achievement for the team. The team will get into a flow when that happens. We can then dream of something bigger. We are hungry for it."Scotland, however, is a formidable opponent. "They won't let you win easily. They don't give up without a fight. We are mentally prepared to face those challenges," Sultana said.Despite their past struggles, Sultana and Bangladesh have ambitious goals. They aim to challenge England, West Indies, and South Africa, the other teams in their group, and reach the semi-finals. "To play in the semi-final, we have to win against those three teams, too," Sultana said. "We have different plans against each team. If we can execute our gameplan, then it will good for us."Bangladesh's batting has been a concern in recent series, but Sultana is confident in the team's young players, such as Shathi Rani and Taj Nehar. "Batting is definitely a concern but we saw some improvements among the batters during the 'A' team tour [of Sri Lanka]," she said.Bangladesh's strength lies in their spin attack, led by left-arm spinner Nahida Akter and 19-year-old legspinner Rabeya Khan. Sultana praised Rabeya's contributions, saying, "She has taken our team to a different level through her contributions in both formats. She is a great fielder. She is good with the bat too but doesn't take batting seriously. She is maturing slowly. If there's someone I rely with the ball in tough situations after Nahida, it is definitely Rabeya."

Scotland, buoyed by their impressive performance against Australia at the T20 World Cup, are determined to make history by securing their first-ever ODI series victory over the formidable Aussies.In the T20 World Cup, Scotland pushed Australia to the brink, with a win potentially eliminating England from the tournament. Despite falling short, the Scots believe they have the potential to go even further in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Edinburgh.Australia's inexperienced squad, coupled with Scotland's home advantage and three games in four days, presents a golden opportunity for the hosts. Left-arm spinner Mark Watt expressed their ambition to not only win a game but to claim the entire series."We're after a little bit of blood this week," Watt said. "We can take inspiration from the T20 World Cup, but we also have a point to prove. We believe we should have won that game and gone further. We got close, but we're disappointed we didn't win."Scotland's squad remains unchanged from the T20 World Cup, with the addition of pace bowler Charlie Cassell, who made a sensational ODI debut with a seven-wicket haul against Oman."It's a great opportunity for our players to share the field with world-class players," said Scotland head coach Doug Watson. "We want to compete and push this Australia team. Our goal is to win this series."Scotland's success in hosting Australia is a testament to their resilience, as Ireland was initially scheduled to host the series but faced financial constraints. The last time Australia played a bilateral match against Scotland was in 2013, where Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh shared a record-breaking opening partnership.Despite their impressive performances, Scotland remains frustrated by the limited opportunities they have to face top-tier nations outside of global events."It's frustrating we don't get the opportunities to play the big boys," said Michael Leask. "We would take any opportunity, because the more high-quality cricket we get, the better we get."Scotland's determination and home advantage make them a formidable opponent for Australia. The series promises to be a thrilling contest, with the Scots eager to prove their worth and secure a historic victory.

Scotland's Women's T20 World Cup squad, led by all-rounder Kathryn Bryce, is brimming with talent and experience. The team's maiden appearance at the global tournament will be a testament to their remarkable progress in recent years.Kathryn Bryce, a versatile all-rounder, will don the captain's armband, while her sister Sarah Bryce, a wicketkeeper, will serve as vice-captain. The squad boasts a formidable lineup of all-rounders, including Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, and Megan McColl."The balance of this squad is exceptional," said head coach Craig Wallace. "We have match-winners throughout the lineup, which is a significant improvement in the team's evolution. Players have consistently delivered crucial performances, and that depth extends across the entire squad."Scotland's qualification for the tournament was secured after finishing second to Sri Lanka in the qualifier held in the UAE earlier this year. Their impressive performances in the Netherlands, where they triumphed in five out of six matches in a tri-series against the hosts and Papua New Guinea, further showcased their capabilities."The recent Netherlands series demonstrated the depth within our squad," Wallace added. "Players who were not selected for this tournament have pushed and performed consistently throughout the year. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire group."Thirteen members of Scotland's qualifier squad have been retained for the T20 World Cup, including offspinner Olivia Bell and former captain Abbi Aitken-Drummond, who impressed in the Netherlands.Scotland will face a formidable challenge in Group B, which includes England, Bangladesh, South Africa, and West Indies. They will depart for the UAE in mid-September for a training camp and two warm-up matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Their tournament opener is scheduled against Bangladesh on October 3.

Scotland's men's cricket team has announced a 15-man squad for their upcoming T20I series against Australia in September. The series will mark the first time the two sides have met in a bilateral T20I series.The squad includes 15 players who represented Scotland at the T20 World Cup in June, including captain Richie Berrington. Two new faces have been added to the squad: right-arm quick Charlie Cassell and medium pacer Jasper Davidson.Cassell made a sensational start to his international career in July, taking 7 for 21 against Oman in the Cricket World Cup League 2. He has since played two ODIs for Scotland and featured in three One-Day Cup matches for Somerset.Davidson also made his ODI debut against Oman in the CWC League 2, taking four wickets.Scotland head coach Doug Watson said: "After coming into the squad at CWCL2 and doing so well, it'll be great for Jasper and Charlie to have the experience of what it's like playing against the best, in front of a fairly large crowd."It's a wonderful opportunity to play one of the best teams in the world, and I'm pretty sure that our players won't need any motivating for this series. It's a great opportunity for them to share the field with world-class players. They're wanting to put in some huge performances and compete, and really push this Australia team."Scotland will be aiming to win the series, which will be played at The Grange in Edinburgh on September 4, 6, and 7.

Scotland's Charlie Cassell has etched his name into the history books by shattering the record for the best figures on ODI debut. In a remarkable performance against Oman in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 match in Dundee, Cassell claimed an astonishing 7 for 21 in just 5.4 overs.The previous record was held by South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, who had taken 6 for 16 on his ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2015. Cassell's feat is even more impressive considering he was a late addition to the Scotland squad, replacing Chris Sole due to personal reasons.Cassell's journey to this historic moment has been marked by resilience and determination. After suffering a major injury that sidelined him for over a year, he has fought back to regain his form and earn his international debut.His captain, Richie Berrington, praised Cassell's unwavering spirit and exceptional talent. "You've come back from a huge setback, with that massive injury you had, put you out for a year and a bit," Berrington said. "Just to see your resilience coming back, getting back on the park, and just love watching what you do at Forfs [Forfashire], and just the way how you hold yourself is incredible."Cassell's debut performance was nothing short of sensational. He trapped Zeeshan Maqsood lbw and bowled Ayaan Khan with his first two deliveries, setting the tone for a dominant display. He missed out on a hat-trick but continued to wreak havoc, claiming the wickets of Khalid Kail and Shoaib Khan in quick succession.Mehran Khan and Pratik Athavale also fell victim to Cassell's lethal bowling, bringing him to the brink of history. With his seventh wicket, dismissing Bilal Khan behind the stumps, Cassell surpassed Rabada's record and became the first bowler to take seven wickets on ODI debut since Fidel Edwards in 2003.Cassell's heroics helped Scotland dismiss Oman for a paltry 91 in just 21.4 overs, setting up a comfortable victory for the hosts. His performance has not only earned him a place in the record books but has also boosted Scotland's hopes of qualifying for the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Scotland and Australia are set to face off in their first bilateral men's T20I series in Edinburgh this September. The three-match series will mark Australia's first tour of Scotland in 11 years and will serve as a warm-up for their five-match ODI series against England.The games will be played at The Grange on September 4, 5, and 7, ahead of the first ODI against England at Trent Bridge on September 19. The announcement comes as the two sides prepare to meet in a T20 World Cup Group B fixture in St Lucia, which will determine whether England or Scotland join Australia in the Super Eight stage.Scotland and Australia have a limited history in bilateral matches, having played only five ODIs against each other over the years. Australia has emerged victorious on each occasion, including a thumping 200-run win in their last meeting in 2013.Despite their past record, Scotland is eager to make a statement on home soil. The series will provide a valuable opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and gain experience against a top-ranked opponent.For Cricket Scotland, the tour is also a chance to highlight Edinburgh as a cricket destination and to move forward from recent controversies surrounding institutional racism and sexism."What a way to end the year to have Australia coming to Scotland, playing in three T20 internationals at the Grange, when we have been through such incredibly difficult times," said Cricket Scotland CEO Trudy Lindblade. "It will be a celebration of cricket in Scotland and we hope that everybody gets behind us."Lindblade hopes the tour will lead to more visits from Full-Member countries in the future. "We need to play high-quality cricket more often," she said. "This will demonstrate, not just our on-the-field performance, but also the people in Scotland get to see the best possible cricket."

Scotland's historic qualification for the T20 Women's World Cup is a testament to the team's resilience and the growing strength of women's cricket worldwide. Led by captain Kathryn Bryce, the Scots stunned favorites Ireland in the semi-final, securing their first-ever appearance at the global tournament.Bryce's early wickets set the tone for Scotland's victory, silencing the Irish crowd and instilling a sense of belief in her team. The opener Megan McColl and Bryce then chased down the target with ease, with Bryce hitting the winning runs to seal the historic triumph.Bryce attributed the team's success to their recent performances against Ireland and their belief in their own abilities. She emphasized the importance of early wickets in a crucial match, as they can "stun a team a little bit."The Scotland captain also highlighted the growth of women's cricket, evidenced by the competitive nature of the qualifying groups. She believes that Scotland's World Cup appearance will inspire young girls in the country and make the sport more accessible and enjoyable for all.Bryce's own journey to the World Cup began in her grandmother's garden, where she and her sister Sarah emulated their idols, Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Sarah Taylor. She hopes that Scotland's success will attract new fans to cricket and encourage more girls to take up the sport.

Scotland's Men's T20 World Cup squad has undergone a significant reshuffle, with the return of experienced duo Michael Jones and Brad Wheal. However, the absence of Somerset seamer Josh Davey has raised eyebrows.Jones and Wheal, representing Durham and Hampshire respectively, were initially omitted from Scotland's squad for the T20 Tri-Series against Netherlands and Ireland. However, they have now been cleared by their counties to participate in the World Cup campaign. Sussex 2nd XI wicketkeeper Charlie Tear has also been added to the squad, replacing seam bowler Gavin Main.Davey's exclusion is a notable setback for Scotland. The Somerset seamer has been a key figure in the team's recent T20 World Cup campaigns, including the 2021 tournament where he claimed nine wickets at an impressive average of 13.66.Sources indicate that neither Davey nor his Somerset teammate Andy Umeed, who is uncapped at T20I level, were made available for World Cup selection. Davey's absence is particularly disappointing given his wealth of experience and consistent performances for Somerset.Scotland head coach Doug Watson acknowledged the difficulty in selecting the final squad. "It was a really difficult selection meeting and it's never easy getting it down to a squad of 15," Watson said. "It was ultimately about getting the balance of the squad just right and we feel we've done that here."Watson expressed excitement about the squad's potential. "It's good that we've got some of our county players available, and we are really excited with the 15 we've chosen, so now we can look forward to what lies ahead."Scotland will face a challenging group stage in the World Cup, with matches against England, Namibia, Oman, and Australia. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight phase, followed by the knockout semi-finals and final."To have Michael Jones and Brad Wheal available, their experience from previous T20 World Cups is crucial for the group," Watson said. "The bulk of the squad have been together for a while now and did a fantastic job last summer at both the 50-over Qualifier and the T20 Qualifier. It's nice to have a bit of continuity along the way, although they haven't played a lot of cricket since."Watson is optimistic about Scotland's chances in the tournament. "Hopefully, we can see the same level from these players, if not higher, when we get to the Caribbean," he said. "I'm very excited about what lies ahead and I think the players are too, the closer we get to it. For us as a nation, it's a real opportunity to shine on the global stage. That first game against England, it'll be quite a day - but we won't look too far ahead."