Eagerly awaited ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 will enthrall cricket enthusiasts across the globe as its second edition unfolds in the Malaysia from 18 January to 2 February 2025 The premier event for rising cricket talent, this tournament offers a platform for the brightest young players to shine on the global stage. Indiathe defending champions, will be looking to retain their title, after triumphing at the inaugural edition held at 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 compete for supremacy and the coveted trophy, cementing their names in the annals of women’s cricket history.
Tournament structure and distribution of groups
The group stage of the tournament promises intense competition, and the teams are arranged as follows:
- Group A: India, Sri Lanka, West Indies and hosts Malaysia
- Group B: England, Ireland, Pakistan and USA
- Group C: New Zealand, South Africa, Nigeria and Samoa
- Group D: Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal and Scotland
Each group has been carefully balanced to foster exciting contests between emerging cricketing nations and established powerhouses. The tournament format ensures that the teams with the best performance advance to knockout stageculminating in a dramatic finish to crown the champion.
Scotland campaign: preparations and team introductions
As excitement builds, Scotland have revealed their squad for the tournament, marking their second successive appearance at the ICC U-19 Women’s World T20 Cup. The team’s qualification through regional tournaments reflects their commitment to the advancement of women’s cricket on the international stage. Theirs the opening match against Australia January 18 will be a key test of their readiness and determination.
Ahead of the global event, the Scottish team will embark on a pre-tournament camp in the Dubaiwhich includes rigorous training and preparatory matches. The camp aims to hone their skills and build team synergy before leaving for Malaysia on January 11. Scotland’s squad consists of a well-rounded mix of experienced 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 instrumental in guiding new talent who bring fresh energy and a desire to make their mark.
READ ALSO: England announce squad for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025; Abi Norgrove to lead
The optimism and vision of coach Kari Carswell
Scotland U-19 Women’s Head Coach Kari Carswell he expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s selection and preparations. Highlighting Heriot-Watt University’s support, Carswell emphasized the importance of the partnership in strengthening women’s cricket.
“We are very grateful to Heriot-Watt University for their continued support of Scottish women’s cricket. Their role in helping our U-19 and senior women’s teams has been instrumental and we look forward to connecting with their campus community in Malaysia,” Carswell said in a statement released by Cricket Scotland
Carswell also addressed the squad’s composition, praising the mix of experience and emerging talent. “It’s exciting to finally announce our squad, which strikes a good balance between experienced players and fresh faces. Several players bring experience from the inaugural tournament in South Africa two years ago, while others enter in excellent form from recent domestic performances“, she added.
The head coach further emphasized the well-rounded nature of the squad, noting in particular the diversity of Scotland’s bowling and batting combinations.
“We’ve got all the bases covered, from link and spin options to reliable top-order batsmen and impactful lower-order players. This squad is not just about this tournament – it’s about building a pipeline for the future of Scottish cricket, with some players eligible for another U-19 cycle after this one.” Carswell concluded.
Scotland 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.
Reserves for non-travel: Georgia Birkinshaw, Teagan Broughton, Emily Duguid, Rebecca McCrossan, Ruth McKay and Sam Robson.
READ ALSO: Pakistan announces squad for ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025; Komal Khan to lead
This article was first published on WomenCricket.comand Cricket times company.
