Scotland prepared for their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with an assured warm-up win over Pakistan.
Captain Kathryn Bryce took three wickets to set her side a chase of 135 and sister Sarah top-scored with 58 not out to secure the eight-wicket win.
In the day’s other game, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh comfortably with Sugandika Kumari taking a hat-trick.
Bryce brilliance sets up Scotland
Sister act Kathryn and Sarah Bryce were key for Scotland in their commanding win over Pakistan in Dubai.
Older sister Kathryn limited Pakistan as the medium-pacer took three wickets for 22 from her three overs, including the final two wickets in back-to-back deliveries.
Olivia Bell dismissed the dangerous Nida Dar for just four before Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail steadied the ship with 27 and 30 respectively.
Captain Fatima Sana produced a late cameo with 20 from 14 balls to move her side to 134 for nine from their 20 overs.
In response, Scotland were always comfortable with the first wicket falling in the 12th over as Saskia Horley departed two runs before her half-century.
That brought out captain Kathryn to join Sarah Bryce in the middle, with the latter claiming a fifty, eventually ending on 60 not out as Scotland chased down their target with two overs to spare.
Silva and Perera shine for Sri Lanka
A 58-run partnership between Hasini Perera and Nilashika Silva helped Sri Lanka to a 33-run victory over Bangladesh.
Harshitha Samarawickrama made 29 opening the batting in a lightning-fast start with Sri Lanka making 39 from the first three overs.
Perera then pushed the total on with 43, as Silva contributed 30 runs from 23 balls as the pair moved the Asia Cup champions to 123 for four in the 16th over.
Bangladesh were able to restrict the death-over scoring as Sri Lanka posted 143 for seven in Dubai.
In response, the Tigers’ top order struggled to make head way, with Shathi Rani’s strike rate of 66.66 the best of Bangladesh’s top three.
Captain Nigar Sultana then calmly pushed Bangladesh on but struggled for a partner as her side lost three wickets in the space of two legal deliveries thanks to Sugandika Kumari to leave Bangladesh at 62 for seven in the 13th over.
Kumari dismissed Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni in back-to-back balls before Rabeya Khan was stumped off a wide to be dismissed without facing a legal ball and to confirm Kumari’s hat-trick.
Sultana was eventually matched by Disha Biwas as the two produced some late resistance with Sultana ending on 30 not out with Bangladesh 34 runs short of their total.
Scores in brief
Pakistan v Scotland – The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, The United Arab Emirates
Pakistan 132/9 in 20 overs (Omaima Sohail 30, Muneeba Ali 27; Kathryn Bryce 3/22, Olivia Bell 2/16)
Scotland 133/2 in 20 overs (Sarah Bryce 60 not out, Saskia Horley 48; Nashra Sandhu 1/18)
Result: Scotland win by eight wickets
Sri Lanka v Bangladesh – ICC Academy, Dubai, The United Arab Emirates
Sri Lanka 143/7 in 20 overs (Hasini Perara 43, Nilakshika Silva 30; Shorna Akter 2/19, Sultana Khatun 1/10)
Bangladesh 110/9 in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 30 not out, Disha Biswas 25; Sugandika Kumari 3/8, Inoshi Priyadharshani 2/11)
Result: Sri Lanka win by 33 runs
Crash Override
Cricket was originally a children’s game played in England during the 16th century, specifically in the southeastern counties. When the British expanded overseas, they brought the game with them.
Venom Charms
Sport Trivia: Ghana first competed in 1952 when the country was still known as Gold Coast. Where were the Olympics held in 1952? Answer: Helsinki – The Olympics were originally scheduled to be held in Helsinki, Finland, in 1940, but were cancelled due to the Second World War. The athletes from the Gold Coast competed in five events, but didn\’t win any medals at their Olympic debut.