Yastika Bhatia Set to Make WBBL Debut with Brisbane Heat
Indian cricketer Yastika Bhatia is ready to debut for Brisbane Heat in WBBL following a successful ODI series against Zimbabwe.
Brisbane, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : Indian wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia is poised to make her debut for the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). This opportunity comes on the heels of India’s 3-0 ODI series victory over Zimbabwe.
Bhatia is expected to play her first match against Sydney Thunder at Drummoyne Oval. She missed the Heat’s opening game against Sydney Sixers due to her commitments with the national team. In that match, the Sixers clinched a thrilling victory on the final ball, thanks to a brilliant last over from Australian left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton.
The Heat signed Bhatia following the season-ending injury of experienced all-rounder Jess Jonassen, who is sidelined due to a neck injury. Bhatia has played 28 T20Is and 29 ODIs for India, and she made headlines in July by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s.
Bhatia is not new to the WBBL, having previously played for Melbourne Stars two seasons ago. Alongside her, England’s Sarah Glenn and Ireland’s Orla Prendergast are also part of the Heat’s foreign contingent for the current season.
Another player making her debut for the Heat is 19-year-old fast bowler Katherine White. She was with the franchise as a local replacement player last season but did not play any matches. If selected for the playing eleven, she will also make her WBBL debut.
The Brisbane Heat squad includes Georgia Redmayne (captain), Lily Bassingthwaite, Yastika Bhatia (India), Lucy Borke, Sienna Ginger, Sarah Glenn (England), Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Charlie Knott, Annie O’Neill, Orla Prendergast (Ireland), Aya Stafford (local replacement player), and Katherine White.
