Scotland have made a late change in their squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with leg-spinner Abtaha Maqsood ruled out and fast bowler Hannah Rainey taking her place. That change comes less than a week before the Scots launch their campaign in the global tournament, with a major hammer blow to the team’s bowling attack.
The other main omission was pacer and valuable spin option Maqsood — one of Scotland’s most experienced players. The 27-year-old has been a staple of the national side for almost a decade, with his fundamental role in Scotland’s recent ascent to the international limelight. Scotland only have two home ODIs against USA later this month and, with her not available, the team will be much weaker in both experience and effectiveness at taking wickets as they prepare to face some of the best teams on the planet.
Scotland have included Hannah Rainey, a right-arm pace bowler who has played for the national side since 2018, as a replacement. Rainey has plenty of international experience behind him and is no stranger to tournament football having been involved in World Cup qualifying campaigns. Having overcome injury problems, the pacer has fought her way back into contention and now gets a chance to shine on the biggest stage of women’s cricket.
The change of plans has posed a dilemma for Scotland as they prepare to make only their second appearance at the Women’s T20 World Cup. They will have to adapt quickly after losing one of their frontline bowlers, but captain Kathryn Bryce now does have a strategy of how to keep going forward. Scotland are now in a strong group with more traditional international teams and squad depth and versatility will help their campaign.
Maqsood’s injury is a blow for player and team alike, but Scotland can gain a fresh leg with Rainey along with extra width. Management will hope the replacement can hit the ground running, also hopeful Scotland can pull up their socks for their next involvement on the world stage – in the World Cup of Women’s T20 cricket 2026.
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