Smriti Mandhana's debut for Adelaide Strikers ends in disappointment
Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana had a disappointing debut for the Adelaide Strikers in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024. She was dismissed after scoring just six runs, by her Indian teammate and Brisbane Heat pacer Shikha Pandey. The left-handed batter joined the Strikers's squad on Friday, alongside Bridget Patterson. This change came after Eleanor Larosa and Annie O'Neil were dropped from the team.
Brisbane Heat Women overcome Adelaide Strikers Women
Brisbane Heat Women scored 175/6 in 20 overs as India's Jemimah Rodrigues shone with a superb 61-run knock from 40 balls. Grace Harris and Jess Jonassen chipped in as well. For Adelaide Strikers Women, Jemma Barsby managed 2 scalps. Adelaide Strikers were off to a poor start (16/3 and 54/4). Mandhana was dismissed in the 3rd over. She faced six deliveries and hit a four. Bridget Patterson and Madeline Penna slammed unbeaten fifties but the Strikers fell short (167/4).
Strikers' performance in WBBL 2024
The Adelaide Strikers have had a difficult start to the WBBL 2024, sitting at the bottom of the table with just two points and a net run rate of -0.900. This is because of their three losses in four matches so far. The team's performance is a far cry from their back-to-back title wins in 2022 and 2023.
Strikers are Mandhana's fourth team in the WBBL
Notably, the Strikers are Mandhana's fourth team in the WBBL. Before this contest, Mandana scored an impressive 784 runs in 38 matches at an average of 24.50 and a strike-rate of 130.01 in the WBBL.
