The Adelaide Strikers have re-signed all-rounder Maddie Penna ahead of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12. The 26-year-old will return for another season after becoming an important player for the Strikers and South Australia. Penna is a dual WBBL champion and was part of Adelaide’s history-making side that won back-to-back titles in WBBL 08 and WBBL 09. Those victories helped establish the Strikers as one of the competition’s premier teams.
Penna has built a reputation for aggressive batting and her ability to contribute in different roles. She has continued to perform at home and abroad, with overseas stints at Lancashire and the Trinbago Knight Riders adding to her experience. Since joining South Australia, she has scored 1,165 runs at an average of 27.09, including two centuries and four half-centuries. Her latest century came in South Australia’s opening WNCL match of the 2025-26 season.
Penna scored that century against Tasmania at Karen Rolton Oval, hitting 113. She also showed her power-hitting during the 2025 Spring Challenge, where she made 229 runs. Her campaign included an impressive 103 from just 66 balls. Penna said she was happy to continue her journey with the Strikers.
“The Strikers have become a really special club to me over the years and I’m really excited to be back for another season,” she said. “We’ve built such a great group over the years and made some incredible memories, so I’m really excited to get stuck into another season and see what we can achieve together.”
Strikers coach Luke Williams also welcomed Penna’s return and spoke about what she offers the squad. “Maddie has been a valued member of our group for a number of years and brings a wealth of experience to the team,” Williams said. “She’s a dynamic player who can change a game with the bat and ball, and her versatility gives us great flexibility within the squad. “We’re delighted to have her back after receiving interest from other clubs and know she’ll continue to make a significant contribution both on and off the field.”
Adelaide Strikers WBBL 12 Schedule
Saturday, October 31, 2026 — HOME: Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars, Karen Rolton Oval / Kaurna — 3:10pm
Thursday, November 5, 2026 — HOME (Interstate venue): Adelaide Strikers v Brisbane Heat, Drummoyne Oval / Warrembah — 3:10pm
Saturday, November 7, 2026 — AWAY: Melbourne Renegades v Adelaide Strikers, CitiPower Centre / Boon Wurrung — 3:10pm
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 — AWAY: Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers, Ninja Stadium / Palawa — 6:40pm
Saturday, November 14, 2026 — AWAY: <a href="https://cricket.international/sophie-devine-re-signs-with-perth-scorchers-for-wbbl-12-on-one-year-deal/" title="Sophie Devine Re-Signs with Perth Scorchers for WBBL 12 on One-Year Deal”>Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers, WACA Ground / Whadjuk — 6:40pm
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 — HOME: Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers, Karen Rolton Oval / Kaurna — 6:40pm
Friday, November 20, 2026 — HOME (Stadium Series): Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Renegades, Adelaide Oval / Kaurna — 6:40pm
Sunday, November 22, 2026 — AWAY: Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers, Allan Border Field / Meanjin — 3:10pm
Thursday, November 26, 2026 — AWAY: Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers, North Sydney Oval / Cammeraygal — 3:10pm
Sunday, November 29, 2026 — HOME: Adelaide Strikers v Hobart Hurricanes, Karen Rolton Oval / Kaurna — 3:30pm
Penna’s return gives the Strikers an experienced all-round option for WBBL 12. Her performances for South Australia, overseas experience and two WBBL titles have made her an important part of the club’s recent story. With the new season approaching, Adelaide will have Penna back in its plans for another Big Bash campaign. Her return keeps a familiar player in the group as the Strikers prepare for WBBL 12.
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Source: femalecricket.com
