Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
The Perth Scorchers have produced a major international signing coup, securing the signatures of Marizanne Kapp and Chamari Athapaththu for the 2021-22 Women’s Big Bash League season.The current number one ranked all-rounder in ODI cricket, Kapp has been a dominant force for the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL since the competition’s inception.
The South African is the third-most prolific wicket-taker in WBBL history, taking a remarkable 90 scalps across six seasons to comfortably be the best-performing import with the ball in hand.
The 31-year-old has also plundered 892 WBBL runs at an average of 20.21, including three half-centuries, and will be a valuable bedrock in the Scorchers’ middle order.
Kapp’s dominance is underpinned by selection in the WBBL Team of the Tournament an incredible four times from six campaigns, the most of any overseas player.
With nearly 200 international matches to her name, Kapp’s multi-dimensional skillset and vast experience make her an eye-catching addition to a talent laden Scorchers squad.
Chamari Athapaththu returns to the WBBL as a must-watch top-order batter capable of both tempered touch and brutal brilliance with the blade.
The current Sri Lankan captain, who has previously represented the Melbourne Renegades, shot to headlines when she battered 178 not out against the Australian attack in Bristol at the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup.
The swashbuckling stroke-maker has a formidable white ball record at international level, having scored 113 from 66 balls in a T20 International for Sri Lanka against Australia at North Sydney Oval in 2019.
Only weeks later she made 103 in a losing cause against Australia in a One-Day International at Allan Border Field.
Scorchers fans will need to pay close attention while Athapaththu is at the crease, the aerial specialist has clobbered 54 sixes across her international career and regularly sends the ball over the boundary rope.
Perth Scorchers Women’s head coach Shelley Nitschke said;
“We are thrilled that Marizanne and Chamari have committed to the club for the upcoming WBBL season.
“Marizanne is one of the premier all-rounders in world cricket and has a phenomenal WBBL record.
“With over a decade of international experience and a highly-regarded work ethic, Marizanne will have a strong impact both on and off field for the Scorchers.
“Chamari Athapaththu is an undeniable match-winner and has the ability to take the game away from the opposition quickly.”
