Sri Lanka and history-makers Scotland qualify for 2024 Women's T20 World Cup

Scotland defeated Ireland by eight wickets while Sri Lanka completed a 15-run win over UAE to take the final two spots in the 10-team tournament

Elizabeth Botcherby | 05/05/2024 at 20:17

Sri Lanka and Scotland have secured the final two spots at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup.

The two sides defeated UAE and Ireland, respectively, in the semi-finals of the final qualifying tournament in Abu Dhabi on May 5.

It is the first time Scotland have qualified for a major women's ICC tournament in either ODI or T20I cricket. Sri Lanka will be competing at their ninth Women's T20 World Cup.

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^{Kathryn Bryce celebrates one of her four wickets [Francois Nel/Getty Images]}

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^{Sri Lanka defeated UAE by 15 runs [Sidney Seshibedi/Getty Images]}

They join Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan (Group A), England, South Africa, West Indies and hosts Bangladesh (Group B) at the 10-team tournament, which will run from October 3-20.

Having cruised through the group stages without defeat, it was Ireland, not Scotland, who began the first semi-final as favourites but they soon found themselves in trouble, with Kathryn Bryce (4 for 8) orchestrating their collapse to 25 for 5.

They recovered to reach three figures, posting 110 for 9, but it was nowhere near enough. Scotland cantered to victory with 22 balls and eight wickets to spare, Megan McColl choosing the perfect moment to register her maiden T20I fifty (50 off 47).

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, defeated UAE by 15 runs. Chamari Athapaththu's side posted 149 for 6 from their 20 overs, with Vishmi Gunaratne's 45 (44) the top score.

Although it proved to be a match-winning total, UAE captain Esha Oza kept her side in the hunt with a 44-ball 66 at the top of the order.

The two sides will meet in the final on May 7, with the result determining which group they are allocated into.

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