With the 10th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) fast approaching and just days before the players’ draft on September 1, Zimbabwe-born Australian spinner Anesu Mushangwe has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Adelaide Strikers, who are aiming for their third consecutive championship.
Since relocating to Australia in 2019, spin all-rounder Anesu Mushangwe (28) made her mark playing for Glenelg in the South Australian Premier Cricket League. Following her impressive showings, in the 2022 season, Mushangwe made WBBL history as the first Zimbabwean player to feature in the league, delivering impressive figures of 1/21 off 3.4 overs on her debut, which was also her only appearance that season.
In the 2023 season, Anesu’s consistent performances saw her finish with 16 wickets from 15 matches with a best of 2/12 and an economy rate of 6.47. She built on this momentum in the following season, bagging 17 wickets from 16 games, again with a best of 2/12 and an economy rate of 6.42. Her ability to maintain such consistency across back-to-back seasons highlights her growing influence within the team.
Sharing her excitement about the signing, Anesu commented, “I’m so thrilled to sign a two-year deal with the Strikers and can’t wait to again play in front of our fantastic fans at Karen Rolton and Adelaide Ovals. Being part of last year’s grand final over Brisbane Heat was without doubt the highlight of my playing career, and I have a very strong belief we have the squad capable of taking the title again.”
Speaking on her signing, head coach Luke Williams praised Anesu Mushangwe’s consistent performances over the past two seasons, highlighting her crucial role in the Strikers’ back-to-back championship victories.
He said, “Anesu performed a crucial role for us last summer and we’re delighted to have her back in the fold for WBBL|10. Her ability to bowl with the great consistency and control at the start of the innings, during the Power Play and Power Surge, and also in the ‘death’ overs meant we could utilise her in attacking and defensive roles as game situations dictated.”
Adelaide Strikers’ WBBL squad (so far):
Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Eleanor Larosa, Tahlia McGrath, Katie Mack, Anesu Mushangwe, Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington
Local players off contract:
Courtney Neale, Annie O’Neil, Ella Wilson
Overseas players:
Georgia Adams (England), Dani Gibson (England), Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
In the players’ draft scheduled for September 1, the Strikers hold picks 6, 14, 19, and 30. They have the option to either retain a current overseas player or secure a long-term contract under the new provisions.