Defending Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) champions Adelaide Strikers have secured the services of Indian batting sensation Smriti Mandhana for the upcoming season. Mandhana, who has previously represented Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, and Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, will be the Strikers’ pre-draft signing.
Mandhana’s signing is a major coup for the Strikers, who have been keen to acquire her for several seasons. The left-handed opener is one of the most prolific batters in the world, having captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) title earlier this year.
During her stint with Sydney Thunder in 2021, Mandhana showcased her exceptional batting prowess by smashing an unbeaten 114 off just 64 balls against Melbourne Renegades. This innings remains the joint second-highest individual score in WBBL history.
Strikers head coach Luke Williams, who also coached Mandhana at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, expressed his delight at her signing. “Smriti is an exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Strikers,” Williams said. “Her technical skill, experience, and strategic insights are a tremendous asset for us.”
Mandhana’s arrival could further strengthen the Strikers’ already formidable top order, which includes South African captain Laura Wolvaardt. However, if Mandhana is allocated as the Strikers’ first-round platinum player, they will not be able to use their retention rights for Wolvaardt in the same round.
Ahead of the WBBL draft on September 1, the Strikers have also made a pick trade with Melbourne Renegades, acquiring picks 22 and 27 in exchange for picks 19 and 30. The Strikers now hold pick 6 in the first round and pick 14 in the second round.
Other notable pre-draft signings in the WBBL include Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat), Lizelle Lee (Hobart Hurricanes), Hayley Matthews (Melbourne Renegades), Marizanne Kapp (Melbourne Stars), Sophie Devine (Perth Scorchers), Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers), and Chamari Athapaththu (Sydney Thunder).
