Manchester, June 13 (IANS) Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce credited her team’s confidence, preparation, and collective effort after they secured a landmark victory over Ireland, registering their first-ever win at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Saturday.

Kathryn, who was named Player of the Match for her all-round display, admitted the significance of the moment was still sinking in after Scotland opened their campaign in style.

“I think there’s a lot of emotions flying around at the moment. It was absolutely outstanding. I think looking at the crowds and the support for both teams was absolutely outstanding. So just a massive thanks to all the people who have travelled down,” Kathryn said during the post-match presentation.

The Scotland skipper played a leading role in the victory, scoring a crucial half-century in a century partnership with her sister Sarah Bryce before making an impact with the ball. Reflecting on how Scotland wrestled back control after Ireland made early breakthroughs, Kathryn pointed to smart running between the wickets and her sister’s positive approach in the middle overs.

“I think just to go to our strong options and run really well. I think the outfield was pretty slow early on, so I think we got up and down really well. And I think the way that Sarah attacked through that middle period made it really easy for me at the other end,” she said.

Kathryn also highlighted the team’s growing belief heading into the tournament, while suggesting conditions were more favourable than during their previous World Cup outing.

“Probably the temperature helped a little bit as well. It was like 45 degrees when we played that first game. So it was nice to be a bit more in our usual conditions out here. But I think we’ve had a lot of confidence coming into the last couple of weeks. And we’ve had a really good series up in Scotland and a good couple of warm-up games. So I think there was a lot more of a relaxed feeling coming into this game,” she stated.

The captain was pleased to contribute in multiple departments and help Scotland set the tone for the tournament. “Yeah, I was really pleased to be able to go out there and do that today and kind of set the tone for the competition. I always just kind of want to be able to put in a performance for the team,” she said.

Kathryn also reflected on the pivotal 100-run stand that transformed Scotland’s innings as she said, “Yeah, I think it was a good total at halfway. I think from where we were, we probably felt we left a few runs out there in the last few overs. But I think the bowlers came out fantastically and set the tone, and I think our fielding was outstanding.”

Despite the historic result, Kathryn insisted Scotland’s focus would quickly shift to the challenges ahead, saying, “Yeah, I think we’ve got a lot of challenging games coming up, but I think that that’s what you said, it’s just take each game as it comes and reset. And I think if we play well and put in good performances, then we’ll be in with a chance in each game.”

She signed off with another heartfelt message for the supporters who turned out in large numbers. “Just a massive thank you. They’ve supported us all the way through the game, right throughout. There are a lot of blue flags, a lot of green flags out there. So yeah, the support was absolutely outstanding,” Kathryn mentioned.

–IANS

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