Star India batter Smriti Mandhana produced a stunning show for Adelaide Strikers in Women’s Big Bash League. Mandhana, in her 2nd outing for the Strikers, smashed a 25-ball 40 vs Melbourne Renegades at the Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide on November 11, Monday. The India opener received a warm welcome from the team as she made her debut for Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat. However, Mandhana failed to impress in her maiden outing for the Strikers as she scored just 6 runs and was dismissed by her India teammate and Brisbane Heat pacer Shikha Pandey.
“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 shines with bat
Mandhana finally managed to repay the faith showcased in her second outing itself. She played a stunning knock of 40 runs from just 25 balls. At a strike-rate of 160, she hit seven boundaries to provide a great start for her team. She shared a 56-run opening stand with Katie Mack within just 36 balls. Mandhana was the aggressor, hitting 36 runs in 18 balls. But after Katie’s dismissal, she slowed down and managed only four runs in the next seven deliveries before getting dismissed off Sarah Coyte’s delivery.
However, she provided a fiery start to the team and captain Tahlia McGrath cashed-in with a 24-ball 49 and Orla Prendergast provided the finishing touch by scoring 24 runs from just 12 balls. The Adelaide Strikers put up a challenging total of 185/8 against Melbourne Renegades as they aimed to win the match after losing in their last two outings.
