Smriti to miss KSL Finals Day

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana has lit up the Kia Super League this season, hitting 416 runs at 69.33 and helping Western Storm to Finals Day along the way.

Sadly for Storm and for Mandhana, Saturday’s fixture at the Kia Oval will be her last this season as international commitments will mean she’ll miss Finals Day at 1st Central County Ground, Hove.

A scheduled Indian training camp has always clashed with Finals Day and with Storm now guaranteed to be at Hove it is apparent that Mandhana won’t be able to help her side defend their trophy.

Should Lancashire Thunder progress to Finals Day they too will be without an overseas player, with Mandhana’s Indian teammate Harmanpreet Kaur attending the same international camp.

Western Storm coach Trevor Griffin said: “It’s unfortunate that Smriti won’t be able to play a part at Hove but we always knew that would be the case and she’s done tremendously well across the tournament.

“She’s been a fantastic influence – on and off the field – and she’s obviously played a large part in our success. We’d like to thank her for her efforts this year and hopefully we’ll see her again next season.”

“We’re looking forward to Hove. We have a strong squad and Smriti’s absence gives an opportunity for someone else to step up.”

Mandhana said: “It’s been fantastic to play for Western Storm and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. It’s a great tournament and you learn so much from playing with and against the best players in the world.

“I hope Western Storm can defend their title at Hove. They’ve been a very welcoming team and it’s been a great experience.”