Scotland name strong squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Kirstie Gordon earns maiden call-up

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Scotland have unveiled a balanced and exciting 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England, with experienced left-arm spinner Kirstie Gordon making headlines after earning her first-ever call-up for Scotland’s senior side. The squad, captained by Kathryn Bryce, reflects a blend of proven performers and emerging youngsters as Scotland prepare for one of the biggest tournaments in their cricketing history.

Gordon’s inclusion is one of the standout talking points of the announcement. The 28-year-old spinner previously represented England in international cricket, featuring in five T20Is and a Test match before her last appearance in 2019. Although she has not played for Scotland at senior level since the 2017 NatWest T20 Cup, her recent performances in domestic cricket have clearly impressed the selectors.

The left-arm spinner enjoyed a productive campaign in The Hundred last season, claiming 11 wickets in eight matches for Trent Rockets while maintaining an economy rate of 7.71. She also showcased her consistency during the English domestic One-Day Cup earlier this year, where she picked up eight wickets in five games for The Blaze.

Scotland head coach Craig Wallace expressed his delight at Gordon joining the squad and highlighted the impact she could have on the team both on and off the field. Wallace described Gordon as a world-class player and believes her presence will help elevate the standards within the squad. He also backed the spinner to play a significant role in Scotland’s growth on the international stage during the tournament. Her return adds valuable experience to Scotland’s spin department, which already includes talented names such as Abtaha Maqsood and Katherine Fraser.

Scotland have also shown faith in youth by selecting uncapped pacer Maisie Maceira in the World Cup squad. The selectors have further rewarded promising youngsters Gabriella Fontenla and wicketkeeper-batter Pippa Sproul, both of whom were part of Scotland’s 2025 Under-19 setup.

The inclusion of fresh faces highlights Cricket Scotland’s long-term vision and their growing confidence in the country’s emerging talent pool.

However, the final selection also meant disappointment for several players. Hannah Rainey, Niamh Robertson-Jack, and Mollie Annie Parker were among the notable omissions from the squad that had earlier finished third in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.

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Ahead of the World Cup, Scotland will host a tri-series in Edinburgh featuring Bangladesh and the Netherlands. The tournament is expected to play a crucial role in helping the squad settle combinations and adapt to match situations before the marquee event begins in England.

Wallace admitted that narrowing the squad down to 15 players was an extremely difficult task due to the increasing depth in Scottish women’s cricket. He praised the rapid growth of the women’s game in the country and stressed that the selected squad offers the right balance needed to compete at the World Cup.

Scotland’s Women squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Kathryn Bryce (captain), Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Gabriella Fontenla, Katherine Fraser, Kirstie Gordon, Ailsa Lister, Maisie Maceira, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Rachel Slater and Pippa Sproul.

Also READ: Babette de Leede to lead Netherlands in historic maiden Women’s T20 World Cup campaign

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.