Scotland gave it everything they had in the run chase, but they lost out to Ireland in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and will not be at the showpiece event next year.
Both sides went into the final group match with one win and one defeat under their belts respectively knowing that a victory was needed to progress to the semi-finals and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
And it is Ireland who still have a chance of claiming one of two places in South Africa after their batters set-up this 19-run win at the Tolerance Oval.
Player of the match Gaby Lewis made 66 opening the batting off just 37 balls and she was well supported by Orla Prendergast with 55 not out.
Captain Laura Delaney also chipped in with 29 and Scotland’s bowlers just did not quite hit the mark.
Skipper Kathryn Bryce and Abtaha Maqsood took wickets and there was a run out, but Ireland’s total of 164-3 looked a very good one at the halfway point.
Scotland fell to 64-4 in reply in the 11th over, but while Sarah Bryce was at the crease they still had a glimmer of hope.
Sadly, she fell for 49 in the 16th over and despite 23 by Abbi Aitken-Drummond and 14 not out by Katherine Fraser late on, the Scots finished on 145-8 and ended up short.
Sarah Bryce’s knock came off 35 balls and included six 4s and one six while opener Ailsa Lister had made 16 and Kathryn Bryce 18 in the first half of the innings.
Kathryn Bryce said: “We just didn’t bowl well enough or get used to the conditions quick enough and that is a real pity because the batters did a great job chasing a tough total and just could not get us over the line.
“It was the first time we have played in an afternoon game and the heat was certainly a factor, but we had the right plans we were just off it with the ball for whatever reason.
“We didn’t execute our plans and that allowed Ireland to get up to that total.
“It is important now to digest this result, take it all in and give ourselves a day to do that and then switch on again for the remaining matches when they come.”
Scotland still have matches to determine final placings to come on Friday and Sunday.
