Sydney Thunder’s Shabnim Ismail and Phoebe Litchfield have been rewarded for outstanding seasons with selection in the Weber WBBL|11 Team of the Tournament.
Thunder duo named in WBBL Team of the Tournament
The team was decided by the votes of the eight WBBL head coaches and features players from six clubs.
Ismail is one of two players selected for the first time. The South African speedster claimed 12 wickets at an economy of 7.88 and an average of 20.58. Her best figures of 3/27 came against the Sydney Sixers at Drummoyne Oval, including the wicket of Australia captain Alyssa Healy.
Litchfield finished as the seventh leading run-scorer with 271 runs at a strike rate of 150.56 and an average of 33.88. The Thunder skipper top-scored with 61 in a player of the match performance against the Brisbane Heat at Drummoyne Oval.
The Weber WBBL|11 Team of The Tournament is:
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Hobart Hurricanes)
- Meg Lanning (Melbourne Stars)
- Beth Mooney (Perth Scorchers)
- Ellyse Perry (Sydney Sixers)
- Sophie Devine (Perth Scorchers)
- Ashleigh Gardner (Sydney Sixers)
- Georgia Wareham (Melbourne Renegades) – captain
- Heather Graham (Hobart Hurricanes)
- Kim Garth (Melbourne Stars) *
- Shabnim Ismail (Sydney Thunder) *
- Sophie Day (Melbourne Stars)
- Phoebe Litchfield (Sydney Thunder)
*Denotes first time selected in WBBL Team of the Tournament
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said:
“This year’s Team of The Tournament features a blend of domestic and overseas talent and it’s great to see two fresh faces in Kim Garth and Shabnim Ismail.
“It’s no surprise to see the likes of Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine in the side yet again. They are three of the all-time greats and their ability to perform on the big stage consistently is a true testament to the way they approach the game.
“Georgia Wareham had a sensational tournament with bat and ball and is a deserved first-time captain having led the Renegades impressively in the absence of Sophie Molineux.
“The League congratulates all players on their selection, especially Kim and Shabnim and thanks the eight head coaches for their time and efforts in selecting the side.”