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The eagerly awaited ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 is set to enthrall cricket enthusiasts worldwide as its second edition unfolds in Malaysia from January 18 to February 2, 2025. A marquee event for emerging cricketing talent, this tournament offers a platform for the brightest young players to shine on the global stage. India, the defending champions, will aim to retain their title, having triumphed in the inaugural edition held in South Africa in 2023.
A total of 16 teams will battle it out in 41 matches over 16 action-packed days, divided into four groups for the opening stage. The stakes are high as the participating nations vie for supremacy and the coveted trophy, cementing their names in the annals of women’s cricket history.
Tournament structure and group allocations
The group stage of the tournament promises intense competition, with the teams distributed as follows:
- Group A: India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and hosts Malaysia
- Group B: England, Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA
- Group C: New Zealand, South Africa, Nigeria, and Samoa
- Group D: Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Scotland
Each group is carefully balanced to foster thrilling contests between emerging cricketing nations and established powerhouses. The tournament format ensures that the top-performing teams progress to the knockout stages, culminating in a dramatic finale to crown the champions.
Scotland’s campaign: preparations and squad unveiling
As the excitement builds, Scotland has revealed their squad for the tournament, marking their second consecutive appearance at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. The team’s qualification through regional tournaments reflects their commitment to advancing women’s cricket on the international stage. Their opening match against Australia on January 18 will be a crucial test of their readiness and resolve.
Ahead of the global event, the Scottish team will embark on a pre-tournament camp in Dubai, which includes rigorous training sessions and warm-up matches. The camp aims to fine-tune their skills and build team synergy before departing for Malaysia on January 11. Scotland’s squad features a well-rounded mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers. Six players from the inaugural edition return to provide experience and leadership:
- Molly Barbour-Smith
- Nayma Sheikh
- Niamh Muir
- Emma Walsingham
- Maisie Maceira
- Kirsty McColl
These returning players will be pivotal in guiding the newer talents who bring fresh energy and a desire to make their mark.
Also READ: England announces squad for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025; Abi Norgrove to lead
Coach Kari Carswell’s optimism and vision
Scotland U-19 Women’s Head Coach Kari Carswell expressed enthusiasm over the squad selection and preparations. Highlighting the support from Heriot-Watt University, Carswell emphasized the importance of partnerships in bolstering women’s cricket.
“We are hugely grateful to Heriot-Watt University for their continued support of Scottish women’s cricket. Their role in aiding both our U-19 and senior women’s teams has been instrumental, and we look forward to connecting with their campus community in Malaysia,” Carswell stated in a statement released by Cricket Scotland
Carswell also reflected on the team’s composition, lauding the blend of experience and emerging talent. “It’s exciting to finally announce our squad, which strikes a good balance between seasoned players and fresh faces. Several players bring experience from the inaugural tournament in South Africa two years ago, while others enter with excellent form from recent domestic performances,” she added.
The head coach further emphasized the well-rounded nature of the squad, particularly noting the variety in Scotland’s bowling and batting combinations.
“We’ve got all bases covered, from seam and spin options to reliable top-order batters and impactful lower-order players. This squad is not just about this tournament – it’s about building a pipeline for Scotland’s cricket future, with some players eligible for another U-19 cycle beyond this one,” Carswell concluded.
Scotland’s squad for ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025
Amelie Baldie, Molly Barbour-Smith, Gabriella Fontenla, Lucy Forrester Smith, Pippa Kelly, Maisie Maceira, Kirsty McColl, Niamh Muir, Charlotte Nevard, Mollie Parker, Nayma Sheikh, Rosie Speedy, Pippa Sproul, Jenna Stanton, and Emma Walsingham.
Non-Travelling Reserves: Georgia Birkinshaw, Teagan Broughton, Emily Duguid, Rebecca McCrossan, Ruth McKay, and Sam Robson.
Also READ: Pakistan announces squad for ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025; Komal Khan to lead
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
