Maqsood Sets Scotland Wicket Record, but Sri Lanka Win by Four Wickets

Abtaha Maqsood has become Scotland's leading wicket-taker in women's Twenty20 internationals, the 20-over format, with 77 wickets. Scotland still lost their second match at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, going down to Sri Lanka by four wickets in Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

Maqsood took 3-18 in her bowling spell for Scotland, and her total passed the 76 wickets held by Kathryn Bryce, who is now Scotland's captain. BBC Sport reported the figures from the match.

Scotland batted first and finished on 111 for 8 after their 20 overs. Darcey Carter was the top scorer with 62 from 55 deliveries. Sri Lanka's reply was steady rather than flashy. Vishmi Gunaratne made 49 from 41 balls, and Harshitha Samarawickrama added 24.

Scotland had their chances to take control. Sugandika Kumari (2-15) and Sathya Sandeepani (2-18) kept the runs under pressure for Sri Lanka, but the chase was never in serious danger. Sri Lanka reached 115 for 6 in 18.1 overs, which means they had one ball of the 19th over left before they finished the job.

The result is a useful reminder of how close the early rounds can be. Scotland had already started the tournament with a win over Papua New Guinea, so they now have one victory and one defeat. Their next match is against the hosts, the UAE, who lost their opener to Ireland.

The Emerging Nations Trophy features ten teams, split into two groups of five. The top sides move into a Super Six stage, and the final is set for 25 November. The whole competition runs from 12 to 25 November, so there is plenty of cricket still to come.

For Scotland, the personal milestone will be the headline for many fans, but the team still needs to turn a good bowling performance into wins. Maqsood's record is a reminder that Scotland have a bowler who can change a match, and the next few games will show whether the rest of the side can support her.