Young Scotland and Uganda look to gain early advantage

Overview
Scotland Women v Uganda Women
VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen
Match 2, WWT20Q 2018
Saturday, 7 July, 10:00 GMT, 12:00 local

Scotland and Uganda clash in the second match of the ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier 2018 at the VRA Ground in Amstelveen to kick off their respective campaigns on the back of some poor results in the warm-up fixtures.

Uganda lost to the United Arab Emirates by 29 runs, while Scotland were defeated by Bangladesh by nine wickets.

Scotland’s defeat was particularly disappointing as they were bowled out for 47 in 18.5 overs, losing their last nine wickets for just 12 runs, a total Bangladesh overhauled with 10 overs to spare. Uganda struggled as well in their tie against the UAE, managing 99/7 in reply to UAE’s 128/5 after winning the toss and electing to field.

Scotland will rely heavily on their captain, 20-year-old Kathryn Bryce, who is also the youngest captain in the tournament and will be leading the side for the first time in a global event. Bryce also has her sister, 18-year-old Sarah, keeping wickets and batting at the top of the order.

Kathryn is relishing the opportunity to lead the side: “I’m massively proud to be captaining Scotland. I think it’s quite difficult sometimes to realise that it’s actually happening and I’ll probably look back on it in 10 years’ time and think it was an incredible thing to be able to do.”

Having qualified for the tournament after winning the ICC Europe/Americas Qualifiers last year, Scotland will look to better the fourth-place finish they had in this tournament three years ago.

Uganda, who beat Zimbabwe to win the ICC Women's World T20 Africa Qualifiers and then beat the same opponents again in May this year, will look to build on those wins in their first appearance at the qualifiers.

Led by 21-year-old batter Kevin Awino, Uganda have a young side as well, and are confident of doing well.

“This will be our debut at this level, but we are taking this as a great opportunity to show our talent. The sides in our group are more experienced but this should not stop us from showing what we are capable of,” said Awino.

“Playing at the World T20 qualifier is a big step in the right direction as this event will provide us the experience and exposure that will be invaluable for the future. We all are excited and looking forward to not only playing against the more experienced sides, but also learning from them and building relationships.”

Key players

Kathryn Bryce (Scotland) : Bryce was handed the captaincy in April last year, which shows the belief that the team management has in her abilities. Having played for Warwickshire Women in the English One-Day Cup, Bryce has the experience of playing with and against top cricketers.

Kevin Awino (Uganda): The wicket-keeper batter will have the extra responsibility of leading the team in the tournament. At 21, she is also a young captain, so the clash between the two captains only just out of their teens will be interesting.

Squads

Scotland: Kathryn Bryce (c), Abbi Aitken, Sarah Bryce, Priyanaz Chatterji, Becky Glen, Laura Grant, Lorna Jack, Abtaha Maqsood, Katie McGill, Jess Mills, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Scholes, Ellen Watson, Ruth Willis

Uganda: Kevin Awino (c), Joyce Mary Apio, Consylate Aweko, Getrude Candiru, Siadat Kemigisha, Janet Mbabazi, Rita Musamali, Frankline Najjumba, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Mary Nalule, Prico Nakitende, Stephanie Nampiina, Carol Namugenyi, Rachael Ntono