All-rounder farewells Thunder as the team’s equal leading wicket taker
Nida Dar’s Rebel Women’s Big Bash League season with Sydney Thunder has come to a premature end after she was recalled to join her Pakistan teammates prepare for next month’s T20 International series against England.
When Dar was recruited to play the entire regular WBBL season, she became the first female cricketer permitted by Pakistan’s Cricket Board [PCB] to play in a foreign domestic T20 competition.
The world-class all-rounder – described around the world as a “trailblazer” – farewells Thunder as the team’s equal leading wicket taker (13) and the sixth best placed batter with 99 at an average of 12.38.
The 32-year-old was confident her efforts for Thunder would encourage the PCB to allow others to follow her lead.
“I am pretty sure they will have a look at my performances in the WBBL and see that this is a pathway,” she said before flying out of Australia this morning. “When I go back, I will share my experiences and what I got from being here.
“My bowling has really improved; I got a lot of good spells here. I also learnt how to bat [in Australian conditions] and I have a new shot that I never played: the lap shot.
“It was good for me that I could experience these things and that I can now share them. It has been very helpful for me.”
Apart from the thrill of competing against some of cricket’s biggest names, Dar said there were other reasons to cherish the time she spent as a member of Thunder.
“I will remember how I was made to feel as though I was in a family at Sydney Thunder,” said Dar. “People were always asking if there was anything I needed, or if I needed help with anything.
“I have gained a lot of experience from our coaching staff and learnt a lot from Rachael [Haynes] Alex [Blackwell], ‘Priesty’ [Rachel Priest] and Shabnim [Ismail].
“I really want to come again. The next time [I’m in Australia] will be for the T20 World Cup and I can tell the [Pakistan] players about the conditions here.”
Thunder coach Trevor Griffin said Pakistan ought to feel “proud” of what Dar achieved during her time in the WBBL.
“Nida has been great for us,” he said. “The pitches in Australia are very different to what Nida is used to, and she’s had to adapt her game.
“I’ve found her great to work with because she’s wanted to learn. Nida has given her all on and off the field. She certainly did her nation proud.”
Thunder head to Manuka Oval to take on the Melbourne Stars on Wednesday 27 November, before travelling to Melbourne to face the Renegades on Sunday 1 December.
