Yastika Bhatia set for Brisbane Heat WBBL debut after India's 3-0 Zimbabwe ODI sweep
Synopsis
Fresh from India's 3-0 ODI sweep of Zimbabwe, Yastika Bhatia — the first woman to score a Test hundred at Lord's — is set to make her Brisbane Heat debut against Sydney Thunder on 31 October. She fills the void left by Jess Jonassen's season-ending neck injury and could line up alongside a potential second debutant, 19-year-old fast bowler Catherine White.
Key Takeaways
Yastika Bhatia is set to debut for Brisbane Heat against Sydney Thunder at Drummoyne Oval on 31 October 2026 .
She missed the Heat's season opener due to India's 3-0 ODI series win over Zimbabwe in Vadodara .
Yastika replaces Mikayla Wrigley and was originally signed as cover for Jess Jonassen , ruled out with a neck injury .
In July 2026 , Yastika became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's .
19-year-old fast bowler Catherine White is also in line for her WBBL debut if selected in the playing eleven.
Brisbane Heat's overseas trio comprises Yastika, Sarah Glenn (England) , and Orla Prendergast (Ireland) .
Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia is set to make her Brisbane Heat debut in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), lining up against Sydney Thunder at Drummoyne Oval on 31 October 2026. The Indian star joins the squad fresh off her country's dominant 3-0 ODI series win over Zimbabwe in Vadodara, which had kept her unavailable for the Heat's season opener.
Why She Missed the Opener
Yastika's international commitments with the India ODI side meant she could not feature in Brisbane Heat's first fixture of the season — a nail-biting loss to the Sydney Sixers at Allan Border Field on Friday night. The Sixers claimed that contest off the final ball, with Australia left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton bowling a decisive last over. Notably, Yastika bagged a duck in the third and final ODI against Zimbabwe at the BCA Stadium before flying out to join her franchise.
Replacing Wrigley in a Revamped XI
Yastika comes in as the sole change to the 13-member squad that played the season opener, replacing Mikayla Wrigley. The match against Sydney Thunder is scheduled to begin at 2:40 pm local time. The Heat also have a potential second debutant in 19-year-old fast bowler Catherine White, who was part of the franchise last season as a local replacement player but never played a competitive match. White will earn her WBBL debut if she is named in the playing eleven.
Filling the Jess Jonassen Void
Yastika's signing was triggered by the absence of veteran Australia left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Jess Jonassen, who was ruled out of the entire WBBL season with a neck injury. The Heat moved swiftly to recruit Yastika as an overseas replacement. Alongside her, England's Sarah Glenn and Ireland's Orla Prendergast round out Brisbane Heat's overseas contingent for the season.
The Record-Maker Arrives
Yastika brings considerable pedigree to the Heat line-up. With 28 T20Is and 29 ODIs for India to her name, she is an established international performer. In July 2026, she became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's — widely regarded as the defining moment of her international career so far. She is no stranger to Australian domestic conditions either, having previously represented the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL two seasons ago.
Brisbane Heat Squad for the Match
The confirmed 13-member squad reads: Georgia Redmayne (c), Lily Bassingthwaighte, Yastika Bhatia (India), Lucy Bourke, Sianna Ginger, Sarah Glenn (England), Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Charli Knott, Annie O'Neil, Orla Prendergast (Ireland), Aya Stafford (Local Replacement Player), and Catherine White. With two potential debutants and a star overseas trio, the Heat will be eager to get their campaign back on track after the opening-night defeat.
Point of View
But WBBL stints are where Indian players sharpen white-ball instincts against high-quality overseas conditions. The more interesting subplot here is Catherine White: a 19-year-old fast bowler who spent an entire season on the bench and may finally get her chance. How the Heat manage their overseas quota while fielding two potential debutants against a Thunder side that has tournament experience will be the real tactical question on Saturday.
NationPress
31 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will Yastika Bhatia make her Brisbane Heat WBBL debut?
Yastika Bhatia is set to debut for Brisbane Heat against Sydney Thunder at Drummoyne Oval on 31 October 2026, with the match beginning at 2:40 pm local time.
Why was Yastika Bhatia unavailable for Brisbane Heat's season opener?
She was representing India in the ODI series against Zimbabwe in Vadodara, which concluded with a 3-0 series win. Her international commitments meant she could not play the Heat's first fixture against the Sydney Sixers.
Why did Brisbane Heat sign Yastika Bhatia?
Yastika was signed as a replacement for veteran Australia all-rounder Jess Jonassen, who was ruled out of the entire WBBL season with a neck injury.
What is Yastika Bhatia's most notable achievement in international cricket?
In July 2026, Yastika became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's, widely considered the career highlight of her international career so far. She has also played 28 T20Is and 29 ODIs for India.
Who are Brisbane Heat's other overseas players in WBBL 2026?
Alongside Yastika Bhatia, Brisbane Heat have signed England's Sarah Glenn and Ireland's Orla Prendergast as their overseas recruits for the ongoing WBBL season.
