Slated to begin on the 1st of August, the much-anticipated Women’s Hundred competition is gaining traction. As the cream of players from around the world assemble and go head-on against each other, preparations have been going on full-scale. The 3rd edition promises to be on the explosive side with power-packed players set to grace the grand stage.
Today, we’ll be having a look at the potential top run scorers who have done exceedingly well in the past and will look to continue their golden form into this edition of The Hundred.
1. Laura Wolvaardt
The Proteas batter, Wolvaardt symbolizes elegance and consistency. Her tantalizing stroke-making abilities are the gateway to piercing gaps with precision and clearing the boundary ropes with meticulous risks. Emerging as the highest run scorer in the previous edition of The Hundred with 286 runs in 6 innings at a mind-boggling average of 71.50, she fancies her chance to make it to the top of the batting list once again.
Earlier this year in the WPL, she scored two valuable half-centuries for Gujarat Giants which is just the confirmation of her immense caliber. Laura will look to bring better fortunes for the Super Chargers with her wide array of skills on the turf and will be hoping to get good support from the non-strikers end.
2. Natalie Sciver-Brunt
The 30-year-old English powerhouse, is a well-renowned all-rounder going around the circuit at the moment. With 2230 runs in the T20I and 3280 runs in the ODI’s she possesses a bucket load of experience with bat on top of the order. In the 2022 edition, she finished as the 3rd highest run-getter with 228 runs in 6 innings.
Her ability to accelerate in the tough phases of the innings acts as great leverage to the team’s composure. Another critical aspect of this multi-dimensional player is the medium-pace bowling weapon which generates regular breakthroughs. The Rockets, who finished off 3rd on the points table last time around will be keen to get over the barriers at the climax of the tournament and bring home the title by utilizing Nat Sciver’s innate batting abilities.
3. Hayley Matthews
The Caribbean-origin opener, Matthews is a fierce batter with the most illustrious cricketing strokes that exist in the textbook. Her tally sees 1716 runs in the T20I and 2028 in ODI. In the recently concluded 3-match T20I series against Ireland, she amassed 37, 50, and 48. She was later declared as the player of the series for her scintillating display with both bat and ball.
With Welsh Fire having finished on the bottom of the table last time around with just one win in 6 games, they’ll be looking to rally behind the title right from the initial stages of the tournament. Matthews will look to be there, right at the top of the batters chart, and add substance to the Welsh Fire unit.