[Watch] Smriti Mandhana smashes maiden fifty for Adelaide Strikers against Hobart Hurricanes in WBBL 2024
Adelaide Strikers Women’s opener Smriti Mandhana delivered a spectacular fifty against Hobart Hurricanes Women in the 25th match of the Women's Big Bash League 2024. The game is being played at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Wednesday, November 1.
Playing in her third game of the season, Mandhana brought up her fifty on the fifth ball of the seventh over. Amy Smith bowled a length delivery, which the left-handed batter hit to mid-wicket for a single, bringing up her half-century off 30 balls.
Here’s a video of the moment:
Here are clips of some other brilliant shots played by the Strikers' opener:
The Indian international scored 51 off 32 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes. At the time of writing, the Strikers were 103/3 after 14 overs, requiring 89 more runs to win, with Bridget Patterson (5) and Laura Wolvaardt (23) at the crease.
Lizelle Lee becomes the first player to hit two consecutive WBBL centuries
Adelaide Strikers won the toss and chose to bowl first. Megan Schutt provided an early breakthrough, dismissing Danielle Wyatt-Hodge for a golden duck in the opening over. Lizelle Lee and Nicola Carey then put on a brilliant display, combining for a remarkable 133-run partnership off 81 balls for the second wicket.
Lee made history by scoring her second consecutive WBBL century. The South African opener hammered 103 off 59 balls, including 13 boundaries and four sixes.
In the previous match against Perth Scorchers Women, Lee had set a new record for the highest individual score in WBBL history, remaining unbeaten on 150 off 75 balls. Her explosive knock featured 12 fours and 12 sixes, the most ever by a player in WBBL history.
Returning to the game, Nicola Carey also played a fantastic innings, remaining unbeaten on 64 off 46 balls, with seven boundaries and one six. Captain Elyse Villani contributed with a quick-fire 23* off 14 balls, as the Hurricanes posted a total of 191/2 in their 20 overs.