Scotland name Kathryn Bryce captain for ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy
Synopsis
Scotland head to the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy in the UAE with captain Kathryn Bryce leading a squad that blends experienced internationals with promising youngsters — including an 18-year-old still eligible for the 2027 U19 World Cup. It is a fresh opportunity after a fifth-place finish in their T20 World Cup group earlier this year.
Key Takeaways
Scotland have named a 14-member squad for the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy , to be held in the UAE from 12 November 2026 .
Kathryn Bryce has been appointed captain; she previously led Scotland in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup , where they finished fifth in Group B .
Uncapped teenager Isabella Watson , 18 , is among the youth players selected alongside Gabriella Fontenla and Pippa Sproul .
Scotland are placed in Group A with Ireland , PNG , Sri Lanka , and the UAE .
Scotland open their campaign against PNG on 12 November at the Seven Districts Sports Club, Ajman .
Sri Lanka will be led by Harshitha Samarawickrama in the absence of Chamari Athapaththu .
Scotland have announced their 14-member squad for the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, with all-rounder Kathryn Bryce named captain for the tournament to be held in the UAE from 12 November 2026. The 10-team competition will serve as a key development platform for associate nations looking to close the gap on the sport's established powers.
Squad Blend of Experience and Youth
Scotland's selection reflects a deliberate mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. Darcey Carter, Sarah Bryce, and Katherine Fraser bring prior international experience to the group. Meanwhile, uncapped players Gabriella Fontenla, Pippa Sproul, and Isabella Watson — the last of whom is just 18 years old — represent the next generation.
Fontenla and Sproul previously featured in the ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025, while Watson, still eligible by age, could potentially represent Scotland in the 2027 U19 World Cup as well.
Bryce Returns After T20 World Cup Campaign
The captaincy appointment reaffirms confidence in Kathryn Bryce, who led Scotland during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year. Scotland finished fifth out of six teams in Group B of that tournament. The Emerging Nations Trophy now offers Bryce and her side an opportunity to build momentum and competitive sharpness heading into future global qualifying cycles.
Scotland's Group Stage Schedule
Scotland have been placed in Group A alongside Ireland, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Sri Lanka, and the UAE. Their campaign opens against PNG on 12 November at the Seven Districts Sports Club in Ajman. They face Sri Lanka on 13 November, take on the UAE on 15 November, and conclude their group stage against Ireland on 18 November.
Sri Lanka Also Name Squad; Samarawickrama to Lead
Fellow Group A side Sri Lanka have also confirmed their squad, with Harshitha Samarawickrama named skipper in the absence of regular captain Chamari Athapaththu. The top-order batter will lead a side that also sees the returns of Vishmi Gunarathne and Nilakshika Silva.
Full Scotland squad: Kathryn Bryce (c), Chloe Abel, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Gabriella Fontenla, Katherine Fraser, Kirstie Gordon, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Hannah Rainey, Nayma Sheikh, Pippa Sproul, Isabella Watson.
With the tournament beginning on 12 November, Scotland will be looking to use the Emerging Nations Trophy as a springboard for their long-term ambitions in women's cricket.
Point of View
Or whether it remains a niche event that struggles to register beyond the associate cricket community.
NationPress
5 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will captain Scotland in the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy?
All-rounder Kathryn Bryce will captain Scotland in the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy in the UAE starting 12 November 2026. She previously led the side in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, where Scotland finished fifth in Group B.
Where and when is the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy being held?
The ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy is being held in the UAE from 12 November 2026. Scotland's group stage matches take place at the Seven Districts Sports Club in Ajman.
Which teams are in Scotland's group at the Emerging Nations Trophy?
Scotland are in Group A alongside Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. They open their campaign against PNG on 12 November and conclude the group stage against Ireland on 18 November.
Who are the uncapped players in Scotland's Emerging Nations Trophy squad?
Uncapped teenager Isabella Watson, aged 18, is among the new faces in Scotland's squad, along with Gabriella Fontenla and Pippa Sproul, who appeared in the ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025.
Who will lead Sri Lanka in the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy?
Harshitha Samarawickrama will captain Sri Lanka in the absence of regular skipper Chamari Athapaththu. The squad also features the returns of Vishmi Gunarathne and Nilakshika Silva.
