If someone had suggested a few weeks ago that Darcey Carter would top the run‑scoring charts at some stage of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, she might have struggled to believe it. Likewise, hearing that she had surpassed Smriti Mandhana—one of the sport’s elite batters—despite having played an extra innings, could have prompted a different reaction. Yet, there was a tinge of disappointment in her response. “Scoring runs feels rewarding, but ultimately they mean little if the team isn’t winning,” Carter remarked at the post‑match press conference after New Zealand edged Scotland by six wickets in Bristol. “I could perhaps contribute a bit more to help us cross the finish line, though it’s encouraging to be in good form.” Both of Carter’s half‑centuries have arrived in losing efforts—Scotland fell to the West Indies by seven runs in Leeds last week and then to New Zealand. Still, she kept the side competitive in matches where the Bryce sisters, Kathryn and Sarah, Scotland’s marquee players, did not fire. Her performances have revealed a growing depth in Scottish cricket that was absent at their previous major tournament.
“I’m pleased with the runs I’ve managed to accumulate. Last time I played in this tournament I fell short of the personal target I had set,” she said. “More importantly, taking responsibility for the side and putting us in the strongest possible positions is what truly matters to me.”
Carter was a member of Scotland’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking their debut in the tournament. She amassed just 19 runs over four innings, and the team lost all four matches by widening margins, appearing well behind the leading sides. That narrative shifted early in the 2026 edition when, in their fifth World Cup match, Scotland defeated Ireland. For perspective, Ireland have failed to win any of their 21 World Cup appearances across five tournaments, so Scotland’s progress is notable. Observing both teams on the same day underscored the contrast. While Sri Lanka dominated Ireland, Scotland pressed the defending champions New Zealand hard in both powerplays, pushed the West Indies to the brink, and battled England competently with the bat—clear signs of advancement.
“Our primary aim is to secure more fixtures against higher‑ranked opponents to gain valuable experience. That way, when we reach the world stage and face intense pressure, we’ll be better equipped to handle it.”
Darcey Carter
“We take pride in how we’ve conducted ourselves and in the competitive push we’ve given these top‑ranked sides,” Carter said. “There’s some disappointment that we haven’t closed out matches as we’d hoped, but putting ourselves in winning positions is something we struggled to do previously. Although the results haven’t yet matched our aspirations, the progress over the last two years is unmistakable.”
Since the previous T20 World Cup, Scotland have contested 25 matches—including a quadrangular series in Thailand, the ICC Emerging Trophy also held there, a T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal, and a home tri‑series ahead of this tournament. They have won 17 of those encounters, indicating a developing winning culture. However, having faced only Bangladesh—a Full Member—twice in that tri‑series (securing one victory) highlights the urgency of scheduling more games against higher‑ranked opposition.
“We simply don’t get enough playing time,” Carter noted. “Breaking into these tournaments and facing elite sides without sufficient preparation against stronger opponents is a challenge. Our priority is to arrange more matches against better‑ranked teams to build experience, so that when we reach the world stage and confront intense pressure, we’ll cope more effectively.”
Scotland benefit from having every squad member except Chloe Abel active in English domestic cricket, providing regular exposure to higher‑caliber players. Nonetheless, their absence from the Women’s Championship means they lack a clear pathway toward full professionalism.
“The more cricket you play, the more experience you gain, and the better you become in pressure‑filled scenarios,” Carter explained. “We remain a relatively young side; many of us have limited international exposure. Conversely, the opponents we face often boast deep pools of talent and seasoned campaigners.”
Scotland still have one chance to clinch a victory, facing Sri Lanka on Friday.
