New Delhi, 16 January (H.S.): Indian women's cricket star opener Smriti Mandhana has signed with Manchester Super Giants for the upcoming Women's Hundred tournament, the franchise announced officially on Thursday, enhancing their batting firepower alongside Australian batting icon Meg Lanning.

Mandhana, renowned for her aggressive yet elegant strokeplay, previously represented Southern Brave across four seasons from 2021 to 2024, amassing 676 runs in 29 innings and establishing herself among the competition's most prolific overseas performers. Her addition marks the seventh Indian player in the league's history, joining captain Harmanpreet Kaur, allrounder Deepti Sharma, explosive opener Shafali Verma, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, and middle-order anchor Jemimah Rodrigues.

Manchester Super Giants also secured former Australia captain Lanning, who boasts 457 runs at a blistering 132.08 strike rate from 18 matches with London Spirit and Oval Invincibles. The duo's arrival positions the side as frontrunners for the upcoming season's crown.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar