Dattani’s determination finally pays off

It has been quite the journey for Englishwoman Dattani, who has been part of the professional cricket scene since making her County debut for Middlesex at the age of 14.  

A left-arm seam bowler and dynamic middle-order batter by trade, she has represented nine teams in her native country, including Southern Brave, London Spirit and Trent Rockets in the Hundred Competition. 

But at the age of 22 and with the motivation to take her game to a new level, Dattani knew it was time for a different challenge. 
 
“I just felt like it was time for a fresh start in my career. I knew I needed to play as much cricket as I possibly could and playing in foreign conditions like Australia made the most sense to me,” Dattani explained. 

Her first stop was the Prahran Cricket Club in the Victorian Premier League, where she played alongside current WA and Perth Scorchers assistant coach Kath Hempenstall.  

Dattani’s playing days for Prahran were short-lived, playing two seasons for the club before setting her sights on Perth, a move that Hempenstall encouraged. 

Now into her third season playing for Midland-Guildford in the Female A Grade competition in WA Premier Cricket, Dattani has established herself as the one league’s most dominant players. 

“I have really enjoyed my time in Australia and especially the last couple of years in Perth. The lifestyle over here is completely different to back home in England, but I feel like the relaxed nature has really got the best out of me,” Dattani said. 
 
“I came over here to improve my all-round game and test myself against different opponents in conditions that I’m not used to, and I am really proud of myself for being able to adapt and improve my game every year.” 
  
The 30-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season in season 2024-25, compiling 394 runs at 49.25 and 10 wickets at 20.8. 

Her crowning moment came in the biggest match of the summer to date, in the T20 Final against Subiaco-Floreat at the WACA Ground in December. 

Normally a calm and composed character, Dattani couldn’t help but feel the importance of the occasion – both for herself and the club.  

“Obviously every final is massive, but this one felt different for me. I don’t normally get nervous before games, but I knew this was a really big opportunity for me to prove myself,” she said.  

With her nerves at an all-time high, Dattani came out and produced a career-best innings, blasting 103 not out off just 61 balls in a brutal batting display which saw her smash 16 fours and two sixes. 

It was the type of knock that reinforced her potential.  

“That innings was important for me. I knew I had that kind of performance in me, but to be able to put it out there in such a big game was really pleasing,” Dattani said proudly. 

“It felt like a breakout innings, and it’s given even more confidence in my own ability moving forward.” 

Her heroics in the final also came at the perfect time, with the return of the Women’s National Cricket League competition coming a few weeks later.  

With a spate of injuries to Western Australia’s frontline quicks and the bowling attack in need of her experience and versatility, Dattani became WA’s sixth debutant of the summer when called up for her debut against New South Wales at the WACA Ground last month. 

An occasion she will remember for a very long time. 
“It was such an incredible day. To spend the last couple of years out here playing Premier Cricket for Midland-Guildford, working tirelessly to improve my game and to finally make my debut at this level, it’s something I am super proud of,” Dattani said. 

“To make my debut at such an incredible venue like the WACA Ground as well, a ground which I grew up watching on TV and dreaming of playing on, is special. 

“Hopefully this is just the beginning of an exciting journey.” 
 
Currently sitting seventh on the WNCL ladder, Western Australia close out their season at the WACA Ground this week, with matches against South Australia on Wednesday 19 and Friday 21 February.