Scotland and Ireland have booked their places at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, joining Bangladesh and the Netherlands as the four teams to qualify from the tournament in Nepal.
The event will be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, with every match broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Ireland secured their fifth World Cup appearance after defeating Thailand by 62 runs. Openers Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter provided a solid start, while Orla Prendergast added crucial runs. Ireland set a target of 121 before Arlene Kelly, celebrating her 100th cap, produced a stunning spell of 4-7, including two wickets in two balls, to dismantle Thailand’s chase.
Scotland overcame the USA by 41 runs to qualify for only the second time. Darcey Carter top-scored with 52, supported by Ailsa Lister (43) and Priyanaz Chatterji (32), as Scotland posted 178. The USA never threatened the target, with Scotland’s bowlers—Kathryn Bryce, Priyanaz Chatterji, Rachel Slatter, and Chloe Abel—each taking two wickets to secure victory.
Both teams progressed from the Super Six stage, needing wins in their final matches to clinch qualification. Their success highlights the growing strength of European women’s cricket ahead of the summer showcase.
