​International debut for Selkirk’s Maisie Maceira ahead of International Cricket Council Women’s T20 World Cup

Head coach Craig Wallace named the 20-year-old, currently playing for Edinburgh’s Carlton club but previously with Gala and her home-town’s Philiphaugh outfit, in his 15-strong squad for the cup last month and followed that up by giving her a senior international debut for a 34-run loss to Bangladesh in the capital last Tuesday in this year’s Heriot-Watt University Women’s T20 International Tri-Series.

Maceira took two wickets late on but that wasn’t enough to avert the Scots’ first defeat of the series.

“It was hugely difficult to select a XV, but that’s testament to the growth and success of the women’s game in Scotland over the last few years,” said Wallace, 35.

“The depth we have now to choose from is incredible and every selection is enjoyable but really tough.

“I think we’ve got a really good balance in the squad in terms of what we think we need to succeed in this tournament.

“Maisie should be so proud of her selection, given the effort and improvements she’s made over the last 18 months, especially since last year’s ICC Women’s U19 World Cup.

“She’s improved her skills, fielding and pace and professionalism in that time, so she deserves her place for those reasons.”

Seam-bowler Maceira added: “I’ll just keep playing and showing what I can give.

“I know I have a lot to learn still but I think I’m doing quite well for myself right now. I think I’ve got quite a bit to go.

“I think I fit into the team quite well so I’m hoping I can do my best.”

Following warm-ups in Derby against the Netherlands at the weekend and Pakistan today, June 9, Scotland begin their world cup campaign versus Ireland at Old Trafford in Manchester this coming Saturday.

That’s followed by games against the West Indies next Thursday and hosts England on Saturday, June 20, both at Headingley in Leeds, then New Zealand in Bristol on Tuesday, June 23, and Sri Lanka back in Manchester on Friday, June 26.