Perth Scorchers Sign Ni Made Putri Suwandewi for WBBL Season
The Perth Scorchers have made a significant move by signing Ni Made Putri Suwandewi, an Indonesian pace bowler, as their Associate rookie for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season. This signing marks a pivotal moment for both Indonesian cricket and the growing representation of Associate nations in high-profile leagues like the WBBL. Suwandewi’s addition is seen as an opportunity to showcase her talent on a larger platform and contribute to the team’s success.
Suwandewi caught the attention of the Scorchers’ management during a scouting visit to Bali earlier this year. With an impressive economy rate of 2.97 in women’s T20 internationals, she has established herself as a standout performer since her international debut in 2019. The 26-year-old fast bowler has taken 49 wickets in 40 WT20Is, boasting an extraordinary average of 8.18. Her performance speaks volumes about her potential and skill, making her a valuable asset for the Scorchers.
Kade Harvey on Suwandewi’s Potential
Kade Harvey, the Scorchers’ high-performance boss, expressed confidence in Suwandewi’s abilities, particularly as the team needed to fill the gap left by veteran quick Piepa Cleary, who is sidelined due to a knee injury. Harvey praised Suwandewi’s unique skill set, highlighting her ability to bowl natural inswingers and her variety, including an effective slower ball and precise yorkers. Despite her shorter stature, Harvey believes Suwandewi possesses the skill to make a significant impact in the tournament.
For many years, I have watched the WBBL from a distance, and this season, I am excited to play in it, Suwandewi said. reflecting her excitement about joining the league. This opportunity represents not just a personal achievement for her but also a chance to inspire young cricketers in Indonesia and promote women’s cricket in the region.
Growing Indonesian Cricket
Suwandewi’s signing is a testament to the partnership between Western Australia Cricket and Persatuan Cricket Indonesia, emphasizing the development of women’s cricket in Indonesia. The country’s cricket program has seen remarkable growth, with the women’s team currently ranked 21st in T20 internationals. More than 200,000 women are now playing cricket across 21 provinces, showcasing the sport’s expanding reach and popularity in Indonesia.
Harvey acknowledged the impressive standards demonstrated by Indonesian cricketers, noting that their experience on astro turf pitches has been beneficial. He emphasized the importance of exposure to high-quality turf wickets for their development, which could significantly enhance their skills. With 200,000 women participating in 21 provinces, the potential is much more than we had anticipated. They simply have a tremendous work ethic and love for the game, he remarked.
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Immediate Impact in Training
Suwandewi has already arrived in Perth and commenced training with the Scorchers, where her presence has been felt immediately. The coaching staff and teammates are excited about her contributions as they prepare for the upcoming season. This early integration into the team will be crucial as the Scorchers gear up for their season opener against the Melbourne Stars at the iconic WACA Ground on October 27.
With Suwandewi’s skills and the support from the Scorchers, the team is poised for a competitive season ahead. Her journey reflects the growing opportunities for cricketers from Associate nations, as leagues like the WBBL continue to provide platforms for talented players to shine on international stages. The Scorchers’ commitment to nurturing such talent is commendable and promises to inspire future generations of cricketers in Indonesia and beyond.
