The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024-25 is in full swing, with all the teams having played at least five or more games. Sydney Thunder lead the standings with eight points from five games (four wins and a loss), while the next five teams are tied at six points each.
The Melbourne Stars sit in second-last place with four points (two wins from five games), and the Adelaide Strikers are at the bottom with just one win in five games. Notably, six Indian players are representing four different franchises and they have already made impactful contributions with both bat and ball.
Smriti Mandhana – Adelaide Strikers
Due to international duty in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, Smriti joined the Adelaide Strikers only recently. This is her fourth franchise in the WBBL history, after stints with Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat. She made her debut for the Strikers in their last game against the Heat.
However, it was not an ideal start, as Smriti scored only six runs off as many balls, unable to provide a solid start in the 176-run chase. After a challenging T20I World Cup in the UAE, she regained form with a brilliant hundred against the White Ferns in the ODI series decider. With the Strikers at the bottom of the table, Smriti’s presence could be key to their comeback. Fans will be hoping for a quick turnaround in her performance in the upcoming games.
Jemimah Rodrigues – Brisbane Heat
Jemimah was also part of the three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand, which concluded on October 29. Despite that, she joined the Brisbane Heat early and has already played four games. Across these matches, she has scored 124 runs at an impressive average of 31.00, with a strike-rate of 145.88. She has consistently batted at No. 3.
In the opening game against the Hurricanes, Jemimah scored a brisk 45 off 27 balls, forming a 69-run partnership from 40 balls for the second wicket. She was also named the Player of the Match in the most recent game against the Strikers, where her 61 off 40 balls played a crucial role in setting a winning total of 175.
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Shikha Pandey – Brisbane Heat
The 35-year-old veteran all-rounder has been in strong form, particularly with the ball, in this ongoing WBBL tournament. In six games for the Heat, Shikha has taken seven wickets at a remarkable economy rate of 6.22. Apart from the match against the Hurricanes, she has claimed at least one wicket in each of the other five games.
Among her seven dismissals, Shikha has claimed key wickets like Laura Wolvaardt, Sophie Molineux, Phoebe Litchfield and Smriti Mandhana. The consistency has made her a reliable option for skipper Jess Jonassen, especially when an early breakthrough or breaking a stubborn partnership is needed.
Yastika Bhatia – Melbourne Stars
Another player from the New Zealand series, Yastika managed an early arrival and has already played four games for the Stars. She has had a solid start with 135 runs at an average of 33.75, though her strike-rate, 104.65, suggests room for improvement, especially given her attacking style.
Yastika has taken on the role of an opener. In her first two games against the Sixers and Hurricanes, she scored 36 and 57 runs respectively, with healthy strike-rates of 128.5 and 123.9. However, in the next two matches against the Sixers and Melbourne Renegades, her strike-rate dropped to 68.9 and 84.6, despite facing more than 25 balls in each game. The slower scoring is an area the wicketkeeper-batter will aim to improve. So far, she has also contributed with the gloves, involving in four dismissals (three catches and a stumping).
Deepti Sharma – Melbourne Stars
Deepti recently won the Player of the Series award against the White Ferns in the three-match ODI series, scoring 56 runs and taking six wickets. However, the all-rounder is yet to replicate that dominance in the WBBL, where she has played three matches so far.
With the bat, Deepti has scored only 24 runs and taken a single wicket. Given her calibre and match-winning potential, Stars fans will be hoping that she elevates her performance in the upcoming matches. In the Hundred tournament, she played a crucial role with both bat and ball, helping London Spirit clinch the title, showcasing her all-round impact.
Dayalan Hemalatha – Perth Scorchers
Dayalan’s tournament for the Scorchers has been underwhelming so far. In four matches, she has managed only 40 runs at an average of 10. Despite batting at No. 3 in three games and at No. 4 once, her strike-rate stands at just 93.02 — well below par for T20 cricket. Time is running out for the batter and continued struggles could lead to her being dropped.
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