Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
The Weber Women’s Big Bash League’s reigning Player of the Tournament will return for a second season with the Melbourne Renegades.
In a major coup for the Renegades, Indian icon Harmanpreet Kaur will be back in red for WBBL|08.
Kaur is a proven match-winner and undoubtedly one of the most destructive batters in the world.
The 33-year-old captains her country and has represented India on almost 250 occasions across all three formats throughout her decorated career.
Kaur was the Renegades’ leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in WBBL|07 as they returned to finals action.
The dynamic right-hander scored 406 runs at an average of 58 – including 18 sixes, the most in the competition – and claimed 15 wickets with her off-spin.
“I’m excited to be coming back to the Renegades,” Harmanpreet Kaur said.
“I really enjoyed being part of the team environment last season and feel like that helped me produce some of my best cricket.
“Personally, I just wanted to play my role for the team and it was pleasing to be able to do that.
“We supported each other as a team last year and were able to get some good results, but we still have plenty of room to improve. Hopefully we can do that, make the finals again and put ourselves in a position to compete for the title.”
Kaur polled 31 votes to win the WBBL|07 Player of the Tournament award and was named in the Team of the Tournament.
Batting primarily at number four, the right-hander was a match-winner for the Renegades on multiple occasions throughout the season.
Cool under pressure, the experienced batter’s ability to guide a run chase was displayed multiple times – including a phenomenal innings of 73 not out from just 46 deliveries to track down a target of 161 against the Adelaide Strikers in Perth.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Harmanpreet returning to our club this summer,” Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, said.
“Harmanpreet is one of the best players in the world, her record speaks for itself. She was outstanding for us last season and was a match-winner on multiple occasions, having a prolific impact across the tournament with both bat and ball.
“As an experienced player, Harmanpreet’s leadership and calm approach under pressure was a huge asset for our team. She was a great fit both on and off the field and really bought into our team environment.
“After not being able to play games in Melbourne last season, we know our fans will be thrilled about the prospect of watching Harmanpreet in action in WBBL|08.”
WBBL|08 Squad (so far): Sophie Molineux (C), Josie Dooley, Ellie Falconer, Harmanpreet Kaur, Carly Leeson, Rhiann O’Donnell, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb
