Smriti Mandhana signs pre-draft overseas contract with Adelaide Strikers for WBBL 2024

Defending champions Adelaide Strikers have signed star India opener Smriti Mandhana for the upcoming WBBL. Mandhana is their pre-draft signing and she will be playing for the fourth team after previously playing for Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder as well. During her season for Thunder in 2021 she scored 114 not out off 64 balls against Melbourne Renegades which is the joint second-highest individual score in the tournament's history so far as well.

Earlier this year, Mandhana led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the WPL title with the team coached by Luke Williams who holds the same role with Adelaide Strikers.

"I always look forward to playing in Australia, and I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team with a history of success like the Strikers," Mandhana said. "I'm thrilled to continue working with Luke. Our previous experiences together have been so rewarding, and I'm looking forward to building on that."

Adelaide Strikers have been keen to sign Smriti Mandhana to the club for many seasons but last year she opted out due to managing her workload. She is likely to miss the first couple of matches due to an ODI series against New Zealand straight after the T20 World Cup but she will then be available throughout.

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"Smriti is an exceptional talent" - Luke Williams

"Smriti is an exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Strikers," Williams said. "Her technical skill, experience and strategic insights are a tremendous asset for us. I know firsthand the dedication and energy she brings to the team and on the field. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we drive for success in the upcoming season."

Adelaide Strikers could further strengthen their top order at the draft as they have retention rights for South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt as well. Strikers have also made a pick trade with Renegades, handing picks 19 and 30 to Renegades while getting 22 and 27 in return as well.

WBBL pre-draft signings

Adelaide Strikers: Smriti Mandhana
Brisbane Heat: Nadine de Klerk
Hobart Hurricanes: Lizelle Lee
Melbourne Renegades: Hayley Matthews
Melbourne Stars: Marizanne Kapp
Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine
Sydney Sixers: Amelia Kerr
Sydney Thunder: Chamari Athapaththu