Smriti Mandhana fails to impress on debut for Adelaide Strikers in WBBL

Star India cricketer Smriti Mandhana failed to impress on her debut for the Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League 2024. Mandhana managed only six runs as she was dismissed by her Indian teammate and a Brisbane Heat pacer caught and bowled. The left-handed batter joined the Strikers’ setup on Friday. Mandhana was added to the squad along with Bridget Patterson after the Strikers left out Eleanor Larosa and Annie O’Neil. The Strikers have struggled thus far in the tournament, languishing at the bottom of the table with two points and a net run rate of -0.900 thanks to losses in three out of four games.

“A big welcome and congratulations to Smriti Mandhana for making her debut with your Adelaide Strikers! A great cap presentation led by Megan Schutt and captain Tahlia Mcgrath. We cannot wait to see you in action!” the Adelaide Strikers wrote on X. She received her cap from Australian veterans Tahlia McGrath and Megan Schutt. The Strikers were excited to welcome Mandhana into the team and see her perform well for the team.

Mandhana debuts for Strikers

Adelaide Strikers lose to Brisbane Heat

Mandhana was added to the squad along with Bridget Patterson after the Strikers left out Eleanor Larosa and Annie O’Neil. The Strikers have struggled thus far in the tournament, languishing at the bottom of the table with two points and a net run rate of -0.900 thanks to losses in three out of four games.

The Strikers, who won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, suffered their 2nd consecutive loss after losing to the Melbourne Renegades by two wickets in their previous game.

Despite an unbeaten 61 off 47 balls by Bridget Patterson and 59* off 30 by Madeline Penna, Adelaide Strikers managed only 167/4 in response to 175/6 by Brisbane Heat.

Mandhana had a dream run in the 2021 edition of the WBBL when she played for the Thunder, then led by Hannah Darlington. In one of the matches against the Renegades, she scored an unbeaten 114 off 64 balls, laced with 14 fours and three sixes.