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As the new season of Women's Big Bash League kicked off on Thursday, all eyes were on two Indian players - Shafali Verma and Radha Yadav - who were making their debuts. The duo was named in the playing XI of Sydney Sixers who were up against Melbourne Stars in the season-opener being played at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
Sydney Sixers won the toss and opted to field first and it did not take much time for the Indian players to get into action. It was Radha Yadav who was handed the ball in the 3rd over of the match but she had a slightly nervous beginning as she conceded 11 runs in her first over. However, Shafali Verma made an impact couple of overs later with a brilliant fielding effort.
Bull's eye from Shafali Verma
The Melbourne Stars openers had got their side off to a steady start with the score reading 49/0 in 5.4 overs. This is when Elyse Villani played a pull-shot which went straight into the hands of Shafali Verma, who was standing few yards inside the edge of the box.
Annabel Sutherland, who was at the non-striker's end, took off for a quick single and it was too late before she was sent back. The batter was nowhere in the picture and all that Sydney Sixers required was a direct hit to get their first breakthrough. And guess what, Shafali hit the bulls-eye!
With only one stump to aim at, the youngster produced a moment of magic as she charged quickly before producing a sharp throw to announce her arrival in Women's Big Bash League in some style. The incident was later termed as 'Play of the Day'.
Watch the video here:
Shafali Verma failed to make an impact with bat
Despite impressing on the field, it wasn't a memorable outing with the bat for Shafali Verma as Annabel Sutherland took her revenge by dismissing the explosive Indian batter on 8 runs (off 10 balls). Meanwhile, Radha Yadav registered figures of 2-0-15-0 as Sydney Sixers won the rain-marred match by 6 wickets.
