Pakistan all-rounder Nida Dar has scripted history by becoming the first woman cricketer from her country to sign a deal with an international cricket league, having been picked by Sydney Thunder for 2019-20 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Sydney Thunder on Thursday took to Twitter to felicitate the newcomer.
“Welcome Nida Dar to the Thunder Nation!” tweeted Thunder.
Welcome @CoolNidadar to the #ThunderNation! 🇵🇰💚 https://t.co/xqLabAmN45
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) October 3, 2019
Meanwhile, Women’s Big Bash League tweeted, “The one they call ‘Lady Boom Boom’ is headed for Australia. A huge welcome to Nida Dar who will be first Pakistani woman to play in the WBBL!”
The one they call ‘Lady Boom Boom’ is headed for 🇦🇺 A huge welcome to @CoolNidadar who will be first Pakistani woman to play in the WBBL! #WBBL05 #WatchMe pic.twitter.com/DvU5Zj1ypH
— Rebel Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 3, 2019
Dar, who has long been one of Pakistan Women’s most reliable players, has claimed 88 wickets apart from scoring 1,086 runs in 96 T20Is she has played so far for her country. The 32-year-old has also featured in 71 ODIs in which she has scalped 66 wickets and scored 904 runs.
According to a Geo News report, she will leave on Saturday for her dream stint as Pakistan’s first-ever woman in the WBBL.
Talking about Sydney Thunder, the WBBL team has failed to make the final of the league since their title win in the maiden edition of the tournament.
After being knocked out in the semifinals in each of the last two seasons, Sydney Thunders will be hoping for a good start in the opening match against Sydney Sixers at the 2019 edition of WBBL starting 18 October.