History-maker Harmanpreet Kaur is just one step away from becoming the first India women’s cricketer to play in Australia’s premier T20 league, KFC Big Bash League (BBL) as she has been included in the 13-member squad for Sydney Thunder’s tournament opener against the Melbourne Stars in the third match of this edition.

Earlier this year, the India women’s team captain wrote her name in the history books when she became the first India women’s cricketer to be signed by an overseas Twenty20 franchise after the BCCI had given the green light to the women players to play in the overseas league.

The Punjab-born cricketer had grabbed eyeballs after helping India defeat the world champion Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars in Adelaide earlier this year. The all-rounder’s quickfire innings of 46 from just 31 balls helped India win the series opener as they went on to clinch the three-match series. Harmanpreet reportedly received an offer from three teams — including the Sydney Sixers, the runners-up in the inaugural season — before zeroing in on the defending champions.

Meanwhile, she recently led the Indian team to glory in the Asia Cup by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the title decider. She would be keen to continue her good run in the game by performing well for the BBL outfit.

In a video posted by the Thunders on their Facebook page, the Indian batting star looked confident of making it to the playing eleven. She said:

“I am really excited to be here and looking forward to play here. When I came here I was a bit tired, but I hope I really do well in the training sessions and tomorrow also. The tournament (Asia Cup) gave me a lot of confidence and whatever I learned there can hopefully help me here. I’ll try to give my best and do whatever the team requires. I just want to play my game and execute whatever I have done in the last few days.”