WBBL 2021: Shafali Verma, Radha Yadav sign for Sydney Sixers

Women's Big Bash League franchise Sydney Sixers on Monday announced the signings of Indian opener Shafali Verma and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav as the pair are set to make their debut in the T20 league beginning on October 14.

"So the Sydney derby should be fun this year!. The @SixersBBL have signed Indian talents Shafali Verma and Radha Yadav," a message posted from the official twitter handle of the league read.

So the Sydney derby should be fun this year! 😅

The @SixersBBL have signed Indian talents Shafali Verma and Radha Yadav. Full story: https://t.co/Kg0jiRgag1 #WBBL07 pic.twitter.com/ERmGfyLl4t

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) September 26, 2021

Verma, who is currently the no.1 batter in T20Is, expressed her excitement for being part of the team which has the likes of Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner.

"This is a very good opportunity for me and my goal is to just enjoy myself, to make some new friends and have fun," Shafali was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"I want to play WBBL and back myself and just believe in myself."

Sixers' head coach Ben Sawyer felt that Verma will add to their batting strength at the top of the order.

"Shafali is very impressive. She's such a talent and she's fearless. She hits to different areas of the field and plays shots that are different to the other three girls in that top four," Sawyer said.

In June, Verma featured in the inaugural season of The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix where she scored 171 runs from eight matches.

"The experience I had with her in Birmingham was that she wants to learn, she wants to get better and she wants to grow as a player and a person," Sawyer said.

Radha, who is currently 11th in the T20I bowlers' rankings, said she was looking forward to making her WBBL debut.

"Lots of young Indian girls want to play in the WBBL. It is a very good standard and I am so happy to be able to play for the Sixers this year," Radha said.

In the opening match of the 2021 edition, Sixers will face off against Melbourne Stars at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart.