The Women’s Super Smash is a 20-over domestic franchise tournament in New Zealand. The ongoing 2024-25 season commenced on 26th December 2024 and will conclude on 2nd February 2025.
There are a total of six teams namely, Auckland Hearts, Canterbury Magicians, Central Hinds, Northern Brave, Otago Sparks, and Wellington Blaze participating in the tournament. Wellington Blaze (8 titles) and Canterbury Magicians (4) are the most successful teams in the tournament.
Respective teams have made a few announcements and for the Magicians, the signing of 35-year-old veteran Indian bowling all-rounder, Shikha Pandey, makes the headlines. She joins the Canterbury Magicians as an overseas player, alongside Madeline Penna from Australia, for the ongoing 18th edition of the tournament.
Shikha Pandey recently made her Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) debut in the landmark 10th edition of the tournament while representing the Brisbane Heat. She enjoyed a decent campaign with the ball, as she was the joint 2nd-highest wicket-taker for the Heat alongside Grace Parsons, and Lucy Hamilton, for her side with 12 wickets at an average of 24.16 and an economy of 6.90 in 12 innings.
Pandey’s best performance with the ball for her side in the tournament came on 27th October 2024 against the Adelaide Strikers when she returned with impressive match figures of 4-0-14-2 with the ball at the Adelaide Oval.
Snubbed from the national team, despite promising performances, Pandey has been featuring in leagues all over the globe. Ahead of her maiden stint with the Heat in the Big Bash, she also made debut in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WPL) for the Trinbago Knight Riders, claiming 4 wickets from 5 outings, while also chipping in with handy 90 runs. She has also proven her credentials in India’s Women’s Premier League (WPL), scalping 19 wickets from 18 games, being a regular for the Delhi Capitals.
With extensive experience at the international level, featuring in 120 games (62 T20Is), and recent franchise competition gigs, she’ll be a valuable addition to the Canterbury Magicians set-up with her ability to make all-round contributions.
Canterbury Magicians will kickstart their campaign in the ongoing 18th edition of the tournament against the Otago Sparks on 27th December 2024 at the Molyneux Park, Alexandra from 5:10 AM IST.
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