 |
| File photo |
As the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 season kicks off, cricket enthusiasts around the globe are eagerly anticipating the performances of some standout players, both established and emerging, who are set to make a mark in this prestigious tournament. Let's take a closer look at the cricketers who are expected to shine in the upcoming WPL season.
1. Sophie Ecclestone: The Bowling Maestro
Sophie Ecclestone, a pivotal player for UP Warriorz, is gearing up to continue her exceptional form from the previous season. With an impressive record of 16 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 14.68, Ecclestone's consistent and potent bowling makes her an invaluable asset for the team. Her stellar performance in international cricket only adds to the anticipation surrounding her contributions this season.
2. Hayley Matthews: The Formidable All-Rounder
Representing Mumbai Indians, Hayley Matthews demonstrated brilliance in the WPL 2023, securing 16 wickets in 10 matches with an impressive average of 12.92 and an economy rate of 5.94. Not only a bowling powerhouse, but Matthews also showcased her prowess as an all-rounder, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. With 91 wickets in WT20Is and a stellar performance in the previous WPL edition, she remains a key player to watch.
3. Meg Lanning: The Run Machine
Leading the Delhi Capitals Women's team, Meg Lanning dominated the 2023 edition, topping the run charts with 345 runs in 9 matches at an average of 49.28 and a brisk strike rate of 139.11. Lanning, a true legend with 3,405 runs in WT20Is, is expected to continue her batting masterclass and leadership role in the upcoming season.
4. Tahlia McGrath: The Batting Dynamo
A standout performer for UP Warriorz, Tahlia McGrath led with the bat in WPL 2023, topping the team with 302 runs at an impressive average of 50.33 and a striking 158.11 strike rate, including four half-centuries. With a solid record of 900 runs and 17 wickets in WT20Is, McGrath remains a crucial asset and a player to watch in the batting department.
5. Smriti Mandhana: The Comeback Crusader
RCB Women's captain Smriti Mandhana aims to rebound after a challenging previous season, where she scored 149 runs in eight matches at an average of 18.62. Determined to showcase her true potential, Mandhana's international experience and aggressive batting style make her a player to watch in the upcoming season.
6. Shreyanka Patil: The Emerging Spinner
India's emerging spinner, Shreyanka Patil, gained popularity with her breakthrough performance in 2023, particularly in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League. The 21-year-old spinner is expected to be a standout player with her bowling skills and is poised to make a significant impact in WPL 2024.
7. Chamari Athapaththu: The Sri Lankan Legend
Despite missing out on the 2023 edition and being overlooked in the WPL 2024 auctions, Sri Lankan cricket legend Chamari Athapaththu found a spot with UP Warriorz due to player withdrawals. A renowned batter, her presence makes her a significant player to watch in WPL 2024.
8. Amandeep Kaur: The Surprise Package
Defending champions Mumbai Indians raised eyebrows by selecting the relatively unknown Amandeep Kaur, a 20-year-old left-arm-wrist spinner. With her crafty flight and spinning abilities, Kaur is a potential standout player expected to make waves in WPL 2024.
9. Titas Sadhu: The Swing and Seam Sensation
Instrumental in India's Asian Games gold, Titas Sadhu, the right-arm pacer, emerges as a promising player for WPL 2024. Boasting swing and seam skills, she is a natural wicket-taker, and Delhi Capitals hope for her continued stellar form in the upcoming season.
10. Shubha Satheesh: The Complete Package
Shubha Satheesh, a versatile cricketer, showcased her batting prowess in one Test for India, displaying balance, composure, and confidence. Her skills as a batter, pace bowler, and elite fielder make her a complete package for RCB, and her contributions are expected to be significant.
11. Vrinda Dinesh: The Domestic Sensation
Vrinda Dinesh, a domestic sensation, impressed with her performances in Senior Women’s Trophy and Under-23 T20 Trophy. UP Warriorz invested significantly in her potential, and the Bangalorean talent is expected to showcase top-order aggression in WPL 2024.
12. Parshavi Chopra: The Rising Leg-Spin Star
Hailing from Bulandshahar, 17-year-old Parshavi Chopra rose to prominence as a leg-spinner during the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup. Her transition from a pacer to a skilled leg-spinner for UP Warriorz in WPL shows promise, especially with her lethal googly.
13. Ashwani Kumari: The Pace-Bowling All-Rounder
A rare pace-bowling all-rounder adept at power-hitting, Ashwani Kumari, acquired by Delhi Capitals, is expected to play a pinch-hitting role and contribute with the ball. Her inclusion adds firepower to the Capitals' squad, and her performance will be closely watched in the upcoming season.
As the WPL 2024 unfolds, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the performances of these talented and diverse cricketers who promise to bring excitement, skill, and competition to the forefront of women's cricket. The stage is set for a thrilling season, and these players are poised to leave an indelible mark on the Women's Premier League.
