Smriti Mandhana signs with Adelaide Strikers for WBBL 10th season

NEW DELHI: India’s star batter

Smriti Mandhana

has signed with the

Adelaide Strikers

for the upcoming 10th season of the

Women's Big Bash League

(WBBL). The team announced the signing on Tuesday, and Mandhana is expected to add significant firepower to the Strikers' batting lineup. Known for her elegance and aggressive stroke play, Mandhana joins the Strikers as they aim for their third consecutive

WBBL

title.

Mandhana, a decorated player in all formats, has previously played in three WBBL seasons with the Brisbane Heat (WBBL|02), Hobart Hurricanes (WBBL|04), and Sydney Thunder (WBBL|07). One of her standout performances was in WBBL|07 when she scored an unbeaten 114 off just 64 balls against the Melbourne Renegades. With a career strike rate of 130 in the WBBL, she is expected to enhance the Strikers' competitive edge.
The Adelaide Strikers expressed their excitement about the signing, describing Mandhana as "one of the leading stars in women's cricket." They believe her addition reinforces their commitment to maintaining a strong team.

Mandhana has won the

ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year

award twice, an accolade she shares with Australia's Ellyse Perry. This makes her one of the most sought-after players in women's

T20 leagues

worldwide.
In 141 T20I matches for India, Mandhana has scored 3,493 runs at an average of 28.86 and a strike rate of 122.51. This includes 26 half-centuries.
This year, Mandhana led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to victory in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024, working alongside coach Luke Williams. She expressed her enthusiasm for joining the Strikers and reuniting with Williams.

"I always look forward to playing in Australia, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team with a history of success like the Strikers," she stated.
Williams, who also coached Mandhana at Southern Brave in The Hundred, praised her technical skills, experience, and strategic insights.
"Smriti is an exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Strikers. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we drive for success in the upcoming season," he said.