Picture Credit: Twitter/@BCCI
Indian teen-sensation Shafali Verma has been the talk of the town in the world of women's cricket on Monday. Earlier in the day, it was confirmed that the 17-year-old batter has been signed by Birmingham Phoenix for the upcoming tournament in England 'The Hundred'. Notably, she became only the fifth Indian women cricketer to be selected to take part in the much-anticipated league.
Another good news for Shafali Verma
However, it seems like it could be a double-celebration time for Shafali Verma and her fans. As per TOI, a BCCI source said, "Shafali Verma is also in talks with the Sydney franchise to play in the Women's Big Bash." Notably, there are two teams based out of Sydney in the league - Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder and the Indian opener could be joining one of these two sides.
Sydney Sixers are two-time champions and are captained by Aussie star Ellyse Perry. On the other hand, Rachael Haynes-led Sydney Thunder have also won the title twice and are the reigning champions in Australia. It will be really exciting for young Shafali to be part of either of these two successful franchises and share the dressing room with some of the best players in the sport.
Shafali could enter the elite list of Indian women players
The right-handed batsman is one of the most explosive cricketers in women's cricket. Shafali has a unique ability to strike big from the first delivery, a trait that is very much required in modern-day T20 cricket. In the 22 T20Is for India, Shafali has amassed 617 runs at a dazzling strike rate of 148.3. Her explosive abilities are the reason she is getting so much attention from various franchises across the globe, something the country would be really proud of.
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If Shafali actually signs the contract to play in BBL, she could enter the elite list of Indian women cricketers like Veda Krishnamurty (Hobart Hurricanes), Smriti Mandhana (Hobart Hurricanes), Harmanpreet Kaur (Sydney Thunder), who have played in the league in past.