Absolutely criminal: Yastika Bhatia slams after WBBL mix-up

Yastika Bhatia found herself at the center of criticism after making a costly mistake with Charli Knott during the Brisbane Heat’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) clash against the Adelaide Strikers on Thursday, November 5. The Indian batsman was charged with ball watching after a miscommunication brought Knott sensational bad luck.

The incident overshadowed an otherwise memorable outing for Knott, who smashed her maiden WBBL century to help Brisbane Heat post 184 for 4 in 20 overs at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney. The Queenslander produced a stunning 104 off just 61 deliveries, hitting 12 boundaries and four sixes to put the Heat on top.

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However, her innings ended in controversial circumstances in the 18th over. After Knott hit the ball for the offside, an opportunity arose to turn a single into two runs. But while Knott struggled to complete the second run, Bhatia looked slow to react and not fully committed to running. That hesitation proved costly as the fielder completed the run, bringing Knott’s excellent knock to an unfortunate end.

One of the commentators did not hold back in his reaction and questioned Bhatia’s awareness and decision making.

“Oh, that’s absolutely criminal from Brisbane Heat and Yastika Bhatia watching the ball. We watched it live and Charli Knott could have easily made two runs. As the ball flew over the offside, Bhatia was just running at the other end. But let’s take a moment to celebrate what was an absolute masterclass from Charli Knott’s commentary.”

“Absolutely criminal!” A swap between Yastika Bhatia and Charli Knott ends the centurion’s stay in the middle. #WBBL12 Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 5, 2026

The substitution came at a particularly frustrating time for Brisbane, with Knott having just completed her first WBBL hundred. Meanwhile, Bhatia managed 16 off 18 deliveries, hitting just one four at a strike rate of 88.88.

Knott, meanwhile, produced an innings to remember. After a half-century off 37 deliveries, she took just 19 more balls to reach the three-figure mark before accelerating dramatically. Brisbane eventually secured a 14-run victory to end their 706-day wait for a WBBL victory.

“WBBL best shot yet!” This is ELITE by Charli Knott. #WBBL12 Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 5, 2026

YASTIK FIGHTS CONTINUE IN WBBL

The controversy added to what has been a difficult start to the WBBL season for Bhatia. The Indian wicketkeeper-palter has struggled to impress with the bat in her opening appearances for the Brisbane Heat.

Against Sydney Thunder on 1 November, Bhatia managed just one run off three deliveries before being caught and bowled by Georgia Volla. Brisbane lost the contest by six wickets despite being 178 for 5.

Bhatia’s troubles extended to international cricket as well. In the third ODI against Zimbabwe in Vadodara on 28 October, she was dismissed for a golden duck and fell to Nomvel Sibanda on the first delivery she faced. India eventually won the match by eight wickets.

With the WBBL season still in its early stages, Bhatia will be keen to put an unfortunate start behind him and contribute more for the Brisbane Heat.

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