As yet another competitive season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) wraps up, below we take a look at standout overseas players who excelled either hitting their peak mid-season or maintaining consistent form from the outset.
Meg Lanning, the captain and opening batter for the Delhi Capitals in the 2024 WPL, continues to dominate the tournament with her exceptional performances. Renowned as the highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history, Lanning has amassed over 600 runs across two seasons, solidifying her reputation as a batting powerhouse.
In the current season, Lanning’s stellar form has been instrumental for the Delhi Capitals. With 308 runs scored at an impressive average of 38.5, she has consistently delivered at the top of the order. Her remarkable innings included a high score of 60 runs, showcasing her ability to anchor the team’s batting line-up effectively.
Notably, Lanning’s standout performance came against the UP Warriorz, where she demonstrated her batting prowess with an exceptional innings. Her contributions with the bat have been crucial in securing victories for her team, with notable scores against formidable opponents like the Gujarat Giants and the Mumbai Indians.
Beyond her remarkable batting feats, Lanning’s leadership as the team’s captain has further strengthened the Delhi Capitals’ campaign in the WPL, making her a formidable force both on and off the field. As the tournament progresses, all eyes remain on Meg Lanning as she continues to elevate her game and inspire her team to greater heights.
Beth Mooney, the captain and opening batter for the Gujarat Giants in the 2024 WPL, has emerged as one of the standout performers of the season. With her consistent run-scoring ability, Mooney has cemented her position as one of the most prolific batters in the tournament.
In the eight innings she has played, Mooney has showcased her batting prowess by accumulating an impressive total of 285 runs. Boasting a commendable average of 47.5, her highest score of 85 stands as a testament to her skill and determination at the crease.
Notably, Mooney’s remarkable performances have seen her notch up three half-centuries in the tournament. These significant innings came against formidable opponents like Mumbai Indians, UP Warriorz, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, underscoring her ability to deliver under pressure and against top-quality opposition.
As the captain of the Gujarat Giants, Mooney’s leadership has been invaluable in guiding her team to success in the WPL. Her ability to lead from the front with the bat has not only bolstered her team’s batting line-up but has also inspired confidence among her teammates.
Marizanne Kapp, the dynamic all-rounder from South Africa, has undoubtedly been a standout performer for the Delhi Capitals in the 2024 WPL. With her exceptional skills with both bat and ball, Kapp has consistently made significant contributions to her team’s success throughout the season.
Renowned for her ability to strike early with the new ball, Kapp has been a potent force in the bowling department for the Delhi Capitals. Her knack for taking wickets at crucial junctures has often put the opposition on the back foot. In just six games, she has already accounted for an impressive tally of 11 wickets, showcasing her ability to make breakthroughs consistently.
Moreover, Kapp’s value extends beyond her bowling prowess. She has also proven to be a reliable contributor with the bat, particularly in the middle order. With 71 runs to her name this season, she has showcased her versatility as an all-rounder, stepping up whenever her team needed crucial runs.
One of her standout performances came against the UP Warriorz, where she returned with impressive figures of 3 wickets for just 5 runs, highlighting her ability to deliver match-winning spells under pressure. Additionally, her economy rate of just 6.5 runs per over further underscores her ability to maintain pressure on the opposition.
As the WPL season progresses, Marizanne Kapp’s consistent performances will undoubtedly be crucial for the Delhi Capitals as they aim for success in the tournament.
Ellyse Perry, the iconic all-rounder from Australia, continues to shine as one of the most influential figures in the 2024 WPL. Renowned as one of the greatest to ever grace the sport, Perry’s contributions to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) go beyond her exceptional performances on the field.
As a vital member of the leadership group, Perry not only excels with bat and ball but also offers invaluable guidance to her teammates, particularly to RCB captain Smriti Mandhana during challenging moments. Her vast experience and cricketing acumen make her an indispensable asset to the team’s success.
This season, Perry has once again showcased her all-round brilliance. With the bat, she has amassed 246 runs at an outstanding average of 61.5, including a crucial knock of 58 runs against the UP Warriorz, marking her only half-century of the season.
However, it’s her stellar bowling performance that truly stands out. In a pivotal knockout game against the Mumbai Indians, Perry delivered a match-winning spell, claiming six wickets while conceding just 15 runs in her allotted four overs. Her economy rate of 6.60 has consistently stifled opposition batsmen, playing a significant role in RCB’s success.
As the WPL progresses, Ellyse Perry’s remarkable performances and leadership qualities will continue to be instrumental for RCB as they strive for glory in the tournament.
Jess Jonassen, the versatile all-rounder from Australia, has been a vital asset for the Delhi Capitals in the 2024 WPL, making significant contributions with both bat and ball. Her performances have been instrumental in shaping the team’s success in the tournament.
Jonassen’s ability to deliver crucial performances in pressure situations has made her indispensable for the Delhi Capitals. With the bat, she has showcased her attacking prowess, scoring 63 runs in the season. Her highest score, an unbeaten 36 against RCB, came at a blistering strike rate of 180, demonstrating her adaptability to the demands of the T20 format.
However, it’s with the ball where Jonassen has truly excelled. Sharing the title of the joint-highest wicket-taker for the Delhi Capitals and the tournament overall with her teammate Marizanne Kapp, Jonassen has picked up 11 wickets in just six games. Her best figures of 3 for 21, achieved against RCB, underline her ability to make crucial breakthroughs at key moments.
As a key player in the Delhi Capitals lineup, Jess Jonassen’s consistent performances with both bat and ball will continue to be crucial as the team vies for success in the latter stages of the WPL.