Brisbane Heat have signed Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12. She will become the first Irish recruit in the club’s history and will be at Allan Border Field next month for the Heat’s opening night. The 24-year-old pace bowler and middle order batter has become one of Ireland’s standout players. She will return to the WBBL for another stint.
Prendergast was named in the official ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament earlier this year. It was the second time she had received the honour, after also making the team at the 2023 World Cup. She was Player of the Match when Ireland recorded their first ever World Cup win against the West Indies. She scored 63 runs and took 1-29 as Ireland secured the victory.
She also made a strong contribution against defending champions New Zealand during the World Cup. Prendergast scored 59 runs and took 2-26 in that match. Across five World Cup innings, she made 181 runs at an average of 36.20 and a strike rate of 125.69. Her performances showed how useful she can be in both departments. The Heat will now have that all-round ability in their squad.
Prendergast made her T20 debut for Ireland in 2019 and has also played ODIs for her country. Against Sri Lanka, she scored an unbeaten 122 and took 3-25 in that match. Overall, she has played 88 T20 Internationals, scoring 2054 runs with 14 half centuries. She has also taken 69 wickets at an economy rate of 5.76. These numbers show her international experience clearly.
Prendergast is the second international player announced by the Heat, joining English leg-spinner Sarah Glenn. Coach Mark Sorell said her presence would strengthen the squad. “Orla is world class – you only had to marvel at her performances at the World Cup to know that, and we’re thrilled she is coming to the Heat,’’ he said. “She delivers great versatility for us, bowling up front in the Power Play or later in the Power Surge, while her batting gives us another strong option in the upper or middle order.”
Sorell also spoke about the Heat’s plan for international signings and the importance of having players available throughout the tournament. “We have looked to prioritise skill and availability for the whole tournament when it came to our prime targets.” He added: “As well as being impressive individuals, Orla and Sarah Glenn will be with us for all games plus the Finals and we are excited by how we will utilise their skills and experience in our group,’’ he said. This approach helps the Heat plan around players available for the full campaign.
Prendergast recently played with Welsh Fire in The Hundred after joining their squad as an injury replacement for New Zealand legend Sophie Devine. She made an impact in only her second game, taking a crucial new-ball haul of 4-18. This will be her second stint in the WBBL, after spending the WBBL 10 competition with the Adelaide Strikers. Her return gives her another chance to play in the league.
The Dubliner is the second allrounder from the northern hemisphere confirmed by the Heat in as many days, with experienced English pro Tom Curran inking his BBL deal this week. The Heat have announced nine players to date, with further signings to be revealed. Clubs can have a maximum squad size of 18 players in BBL 16 and 15 players in WBBL 12. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek. Information on Brisbane Heat membership for the WBBL and BBL seasons is available at the club’s membership page.
Brisbane Heat WBBL 12 signings:
Lily Bassingthwaighte, Sianna Ginger, Sarah Glenn (England), Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Orla Prendergast (Ireland) and Georgia Redmayne
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