Perth Scorchers sign Indonesian bowler Ni Made Putri Suwandewi for WBBL

Popular franchise Perth Scorchers have signed Indonesian pace bowler Ni Made Putri Suwandewi as their Associate rookie for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season. The recent signing is a major milestone for both Indonesian cricket and the developing talent from Associate nations in WBBL.

Suwandewi, who has an economy rate (2.97) in women's T20I, caught the attention of Scorchers' management during their scouting visit to Bali earlier this year. The 26-year-old has been a standout performer for Indonesia since her international debut in 2019. Notably, the willy pacer has claimed an impressive 49 wickets in 40 WT20Is at an average of 8.18.

"The WBBL has been a competition I have admired from afar for a long time, and I am looking forward to being involved as a player this season," said Suwandewi as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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She's got the potential to play a role for us in the tournament: Kade Harvey

Perth Scorchers have filled the void after veteran quick Piepa Cleary had to leave the season due to a knee injury. Scorchers' high-performance boss Kade Harvey praised the Indonesian pacer's unique skill set.

Suwandewi's signing shows the moving partnership between WA Cricket and Persatuan Cricket Indonesia with an initial focus on women's cricket development. Indonesia's cricket program has shown growth, with the women's team currently ranked 21st in T20Is and an impressive 200,000 women playing across 21 provinces.

"She bowls a natural inswinger, but has excellent variety with a good slower ball and can hit the yorkers. She's quite short, but a really skilful bowler. She's got the potential to play a role for us in the tournament," Harvey mentioned.

"We were really impressed with the standard of cricket from the girls in Indonesia. They play on astro turf, so we think a big part of their development is getting on good turf wickets. But the potential is vast with 200,000 women playing across 21 provinces, which is bigger than what we thought. They've just got such a great work ethic and passion for the game. They probably just need a little bit of help in how to channel that," he concluded.

Suwandewi has already arrived in Perth and begun training with the team, where she's made an immediate impact. Scorchers will open their season against Melbourne Stars at the iconic WACA ground, on October 27.