The second edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicked off on the 23rd of February 2024 in Bengaluru. The Chinnaswamy Stadium is hosting all the Bangalore leg games of the tournament. The curtain-raiser had in store a final-ball thriller, and the 2nd was no different, barring the outcome of the games.
While Sajeevan Sajana with a final-ball six won the game for Mumbai Indians in game 1, Asha Sobhana’s spirited fightback helped the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) hand UP Warriorz an upset in game 2.
The Royals made an impressive start in their home game against UP Warriorz as Sabbhineni Meghana and Richa Ghosh with half-centuries set the tone for RCB, guiding the team to post a total of 157/6. The Warriorz, chasing 158, faced early setbacks but Shweta Sehrawat’s partnership with Grace Harris brought them back into the game. However, Sobhana Asha’s exceptional 5-wicket haul, including 3 crucial strikes in the 17th over, turned the tide in RCB’s favor. Despite a valiant effort, UP Warriorz fell short by just 2 runs, finishing at 155/7.
Let’s take a look at the top 4 bowling figures by Indians in the WPL –
Asha Sobhana – 5/22 v UP Warriorz
Defending a modest total, the Royals needed regular breakthroughs if they were to apply pressure on the UP Warriorz, and in her quota of overs, Asha did just that. Her list of victims included some international stars like Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris, and both could have potentially proven lethal to the Royals’ chances of winning. She also dismissed Shweta Sehrawat who was looking dangerous and was taking the match away from RCB. In the process, she not only won the game for her side but became the first Indian to take a five-wicket haul in the WPL.
Saika Ishaque – 4/11 Gujarat Giants
Saika Ishaque’s best figures of 4/11 came against the Gujarat Giants in the first game of the inaugural edition of the WPL. She was deceptive and bowled great lines and lengths and played a crucial role in dismantling the Giants as Mumbai went on to register a record 143-run victory. She played a key role in making inroads in the Gujarat middle order, dismissing Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham.
Saika Ishaque – 3/13 v Delhi Capitals
Saika Ishaque was a crucial part of the Mumbai Indians bowling group in the 2023 edition of the WPL. In the game against the Delhi Capitals, she single-handedly dismissed the in-form Delhi top order. Her list of victims included Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues.
Shikha Pandey – 3/23 v Royal Challengers Bangalore
Shikha Pandey the veteran Indian all-rounder played a crucial role in Delhi’s run in the tournament as they fell agonisingly short in the final against the Mumbai Indians. Her figures of 3/23 came against the Royals. She dismissed the dangerous Sophie Devine, Smriti Mandhana, and Richa Ghosh as the Capitals restricted the Royals to a comfortable total.