Harmanpreet Kaur becomes 1st Indian to be named WBBL Player of Tournament

Melbourne: Harmanpreet Kaur, has been named Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) Player of the Tournament, becoming the first Indian to receive the top honours on Wednesday.

Harmanpreet joins New Zealand's Sophie Devine and Amy Satterthwaite as international players to receive the title in the women's premier event Down Under.

The India T20 skipper had an impressive season with Melbourne Renegades, ending as her side's leading run-getter with 399 and picking up 15 wickets. She played a crucial role for Renegades and earned player of the match award thrice in the league matches.

Harmanpreet was voted the WBBL’s top player by the standing umpires at each match, polling 31 votes to finish at top of Perth Scorchers pair Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine with 28 votes each, Brisbane Heat's Grace Harris (25 votes) and Georgia Redmayne (24 votes) and Hobart Hurricanes batter Mignon du Preez (24 votes)

“I’m extremely delighted, it’s something very big that I have achieved," Harmanpreet said in a statement issued by WBBL.

“I’m very thankful to my team and all the support staff, they have been great during this time and have supported me a lot. It’s been totally a team effort – I was just doing the job the team was requiring from me. We have a team that has gelled together. We support each other and that’s what we have been doing… I haven’t put any extra pressure on myself, I’ve just enjoyed being here and supporting my teammates.”

Meanwhile, Sydney Thunder's Phoebe Litchfield was named the Young Gun of WBBL. The 18-year-old, who played in her second full season, was selected by Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel.

“It means a lot to be recognised with this award. It’s a surprise, to be honest. I could think of a number of other young players who would be deserving of this award, which is really exciting for the future," Litchfield said.

“Batting at No. 3 was a challenge but also a great opportunity. I was very privileged that Trevor Griffin trusted me with that spot and I hope I made the most of it.” (UNI)