Scotland have made a late change to their Women’s T20 World Cup plans after injury ruled Abtaha Maqsood out of the tournament.
Hannah Rainey has joined the Scotland T20 World Cup squad as Maqsood’s replacement, with the change approved by the tournament’s Event Technical Committee. The setback arrived just one day before Scotland’s opening group match against Ireland.
Maqsood suffered a metacarpal fracture during Scotland’s warm-up game against Pakistan on June 9. Her withdrawal leaves Scotland without an experienced leg-spinner as they prepare for a demanding Group 2 campaign.
Hannah Rainey Receives World Cup Opportunity
Rainey now has an unexpected chance to make her first appearance for Scotland at a major global tournament.
The Yorkshire bowler has represented Scotland in 41 T20 internationals and collected 25 wickets. Although she made her international debut in 2018, the right-arm medium pacer has yet to appear for Scotland on the World Cup stage.
Her inclusion also changes the balance of Scotland’s attack. While Maqsood provided a specialist leg-spin option, Rainey gives captain Kathryn Bryce another experienced pace-bowling choice.
Scotland will hope the replacement can settle quickly, particularly with little preparation time remaining before the opening fixture.
Scotland Enter Tournament After Pakistan Victory
Despite the injury setback, Scotland will carry confidence into the tournament after defeating Pakistan in a rain-affected warm-up match.
However, losing Maqsood presents a significant challenge. Her spin, international experience and ability to control the middle overs would have played an important role against several powerful batting lineups.
Still, Scotland have a squad containing established players such as Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce, Kirstie Gordon and Katherine Fraser. That experience could prove crucial as the team adjusts its plans at short notice.
The campaign begins against Ireland on June 13 at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. Scotland will then face West Indies, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka during the group stage.
Updated Scotland T20 World Cup Squad
Scotland’s updated 15-player squad is:
Kathryn Bryce (captain), Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Gabriella Fontenla, Katherine Fraser, Kirstie Gordon, Ailsa Lister, Maisie Maceira, Hannah Rainey, Megan McColl, Rachel Slater and Pippa Sproul.
Bryce will lead Scotland in their second Women’s T20 World Cup appearance after also captaining the team during the 2024 tournament.
Scotland Women’s T20 World Cup Fixtures
June 13: Scotland v Ireland, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester
June 18: West Indies v Scotland, Headingley, Leeds
June 20: England v Scotland, Headingley, Leeds
June 23: New Zealand v Scotland, Bristol County Ground, Bristol
June 26: Sri Lanka v Scotland, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester
The schedule offers little room for error. Scotland must quickly move beyond the disappointment of losing Maqsood and focus on an opening match that could shape their tournament.
Rainey’s late call-up may not have arrived under ideal circumstances, but it gives the experienced seamer an opportunity to make her mark when Scotland need her most.