Ignored for T20 World Cup, Shikha Pandey Shines in WBBL 2024 First Match dor Brisbane Heat

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Read Original Content: Ignored for T20 World Cup, Shikha Pandey Shines in WBBL 2024 First Match dor Brisbane Heat

In a brilliant start to her Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) career, Indian pacer Shikha Pandey delivered an outstanding performance for Brisbane Heat against Adelaide Strikers at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday. The 35-year-old bowler, who was overlooked for the recent Women’s T20 World Cup, made an impact by conceding just 14 runs and taking two crucial wickets.

Pandey opened the bowling for Brisbane and showcased her skill right from the first over, giving away only one run and delivering four dot balls against South African opener Laura Wolvaardt. She returned in the second over and achieved her first WBBL wicket by dismissing Wolvaardt, helping her team to maintain control over the opposition’s innings.

Later in the match, the seasoned bowler was brought back in the 15th over. Once again, she displayed her control, allowing just three runs before claiming the wicket of Bridget Patterson in her final over. With an economy rate of 3.50, Pandey emerged as the most economical bowler for Brisbane, while her teammates Nicola Hancock and Jess Jonassen also contributed with one wicket each. As a result, Adelaide Strikers could only muster 133 runs for five wickets in their 20 overs.

Chasing Down the Target

For the Strikers, skipper Tahlia McGrath stood out with an unbeaten 51 runs off 41 balls, and opener Katie Mack contributed 37 runs off 34 balls. In response, Brisbane Heat faced early challenges, losing their top three batters within the first 10 overs. However, a crucial 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket between captain Jonassen and Charli Knott helped stabilize their innings.

Despite the Strikers’ efforts to come back into the game by claiming three quick wickets for just nine runs, it was Knott’s solid performance, scoring 44 runs without getting out, that guided Brisbane Heat to a successful chase, securing victory by four wickets with two overs to spare.

Read Original Content: Ignored for T20 World Cup, Shikha Pandey Shines in WBBL 2024 First Match dor Brisbane Heat

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