The latest, 10th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) concluded with a rain-affected final that saw the Melbourne Renegades secure their maiden title. In a shortened 12-over chase, the Renegades edged out the Brisbane Heat by seven runs. Turning the spotlight to the Indian players, the 2024 WBBL proved to be a mixed bag. Let’s delve into how each of them fared.
Indians at Women’s Big Bash League 2024:
Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues reaffirmed her reputation as one of India’s most consistent batters, shining brightly for the Brisbane Heat. Despite missing the first two games of the season, Rodrigues made an immediate impact, smashing a 27-ball 45 in her opening match against the Hobart Hurricanes. Her tournament highlights included a blistering 40-ball 61 in a crucial win over the Adelaide Strikers and a match-winning 30-ball 43* in the Challenger against the Sydney Thunder, propelling the Heat to the final. Unfortunately, she managed only one run in the title clash as the Heat fell short of their third WBBL crown. Rodrigues concluded the season as the ninth-highest run-scorer, amassing 267 runs at an impressive average of 33.37 and a strike rate of 139.06 in 10 matches.
Shikha Pandey
Veteran pacer Shikha Pandey proved her mettle for the Brisbane Heat, delivering with both precision and penetration. Her 12 wickets in as many games came at a stellar average of 24.16, and her economy rate remained under 7—a testament to her control. While Pandey’s contributions were pivotal throughout the league stage, her performance dipped during the knockouts. She went wicketless in both the Challenger and the final, which coincided with the Heat’s narrow defeats. Nevertheless, her overall efforts were instrumental in the team’s runners-up finish.
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana, one of India’s most decorated batters, joined the Adelaide Strikers for the 2024 season. However, she featured in only five matches, having missed the initial games. Despite the Strikers’ struggles, Mandhana showcased her class with three 40+ scores in her limited appearances. The left-hander accumulated 144 runs at an average of 28.8 and an exceptional strike rate of 142.1. Yet, her efforts couldn’t salvage the Strikers’ campaign as they finished second from the bottom with just seven points from 10 games.
Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma endured a dismal season with the Melbourne Stars, who languished at the bottom of the table. Known for her all-round prowess, Sharma struggled in both departments. In seven matches, she managed only 65 runs at an average of 10.83 and a strike rate of 85.52. Her off spin yielded just two wickets at an average of over 50 and an economy rate of 8.30, further compounding her woes. Sharma’s underwhelming performance mirrored the Stars’ disappointing season, marked by only two wins.
Yastika Bhatia
Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia started her campaign for the Melbourne Stars on a high note, scoring 36 and 57 in her first two outings. However, her form dwindled as the tournament progressed, with only 61 runs in her next four innings. Bhatia’s tally of 154 runs at an average of 25.66 came with a modest strike rate of 104.76.
Dayalan Hemalatha
Dayalan Hemalatha’s campaign for the Perth Scorchers was largely forgettable. In eight matches, the middle-order batter managed only 99 runs at an average of 12.37 and a strike rate of 110. Her solitary impactful performance came in the form of a 41-run knock against the Sydney Thunder.
The 2024 WBBL saw Indian players deliver contrasting performances. As the WBBL continues to grow, these experiences will undoubtedly shape the future of Indian cricketers in global leagues.
Loves all things female cricket
