The 3rd edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) saw Australian players continue to leave an indelible mark on the tournament. With their skill, leadership, and determination, these cricketers not only elevated their teams’ performances but also reaffirmed Australia’s status as a powerhouse in global women’s cricket.
From the exceptional all-round display of Ashleigh Gardner to the batting prowess of Ellyse Perry, the impact of Australian players was immense. This article delves into the performances of these standout players, examining how their contributions shaped the outcomes for their respective teams and reinforced Australia’s dominance in the sport.
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Here’s the journey of how each Australian superstar’s journey unfolded and impacted the success of their respective franchises in the recently concluded 3rd edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants) –
Ashleigh Gardner’s leadership and all-round performance were pivotal for the Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025. She scored 243 runs across nine innings at a remarkable strike rate of 164.2 and an average of 30.37, marking her as the leading run-scorer for her side. Additionally, she picked up eight wickets at an average of 27.12 with an economy of 8.03 across nine innings. Gardner’s captaincy also played a crucial role in guiding the Giants to their first-ever appearance in the knockout stages of the tournament, a significant improvement from their previous seasons where they finished at the bottom of the league.
Although their campaign ended with a 47-run defeat to the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator, Gardner’s leadership was instrumental in their progress.
Kim Garth (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) –
Kim Garth, who replaced Kate Cross ahead of the tournament, brought experience and skill to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. She excelled with the ball, securing eight wickets at an impressive average of 8.34 in eight innings. Garth’s bowling prowess was a significant asset for RCB, helping stabilize their team’s performance despite their overall inconsistency.
Heather Graham (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) –
Heather Graham joined as a replacement for Sophie Devine but had limited opportunities to showcase her skills. She appeared in just one match, claiming one wicket at an economy of 11.75. Despite her restricted involvement, Graham’s presence still added depth to RCB’s squad.
Grace Harris (UP Warriorz) –
Grace Harris had a mixed bag of performances for UP Warriorz. With the bat, she scored 163 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 118.97 and an average of 20.37. However, it was her bowling that truly stood out. Harris took eight wickets at an average of 17 and an economy of 8.77. Her highlight was a spectacular four-wicket haul and hat-trick against Delhi Capitals on February 22, 2025, showcasing her ability to make match-winning contributions.
Jess Jonassen (Delhi Capitals) –
Jess Jonassen’s all-round capabilities were vital for Delhi Capitals. She scored 150 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 145.63 and an impressive average of 37.50, which included two half-centuries. Jonassen also topped the Delhi Capitals wicket-taking charts in the season, securing 13 wickets at an average of 18.07 and an economy of 8.24. Her overall performance helped identify her as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, reinforcing her status as one of the most consistent players.
Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals) –
As captain of Delhi Capitals, Meg Lanning led by example. She accumulated 276 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 118.96 and an average of 34.50, including three half-centuries. Lanning’s leadership ensured Delhi Capitals finished at the top of the table for the third consecutive time, securing a direct entry into the final. Although they finished as runners-up for the third time, Lanning’s individual performance and leadership were crucial in maintaining Delhi Capitals’ position as one of the top teams.
Phoebe Litchfield (Gujarat Giants) –
Phoebe Litchfield contributed 91 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 135.82 and an average of 18.20. While her individual statistics may not have stood out as much as some of her teammates, Litchfield’s presence in the lineup provided stability and added the much-needed energy and agility in the field for the Gujarat Giants in the recently concluded season.
Tahlia McGrath (UP Warriorz) –
Tahlia McGrath faced challenges in contributing significantly to UP Warriorz. She managed only 26 runs in five innings with the bat. However, McGrath did pick up a couple of wickets at an economy of 8.19 in five innings, showing glimpses of her potential with the ball. Despite the limited impact, McGrath’s experience added depth to the Warriorz squad.
Beth Mooney (Gujarat Giants) –
Beth Mooney, the wicket-keeper batter, was instrumental for Gujarat Giants. She scored 237 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 128.10 and an average of 29.62, which included two half-centuries, with a high score of 96*. Mooney was the second-highest run-scorer for her team, providing crucial support to Gardner in leading the batting lineup.
Ellyse Perry (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) –
Ellyse Perry was the star performer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. She accumulated 372 runs in eight innings at an incredible strike rate of 148.80 and a mind-blowing average of 93, featuring four half-centuries with a high score of 90*. Perry single-handedly carried RCB’s batting lineup, earning her the second spot among the tournament’s top run-scorers. She also picked up three wickets at an economy of 9.92 in five innings, showcasing her all-round capabilities.
Annabel Sutherland (Delhi Capitals) –
Annabel Sutherland played a versatile role for Delhi Capitals. With the bat, she scored 95 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 121.79 and an average of 15.83. However, it was her bowling that truly made an impact, as she captured nine wickets at an economy of 7.56 in nine innings. Sutherland’s impressive fielding earned her the Best Catch of the Season award in WPL 2025, highlighting her athleticism and overall value to the team.
Georgia Voll (UP Warriorz) –
Georgia Voll joined as a replacement for Chamari Athapaththu mid-tournament. Despite limited appearances, Voll shone, scoring 154 runs in just three innings at a strike rate of 167.39 and an outstanding average of 77. Her innings included two half-centuries, with a high score of 99* against RCB on March 8, 2025. She equalled the record for the highest individual score in the brief history of the WPL, alongside the likes of RCB’s Sophie Devine, en route to that breathtaking innings. Voll’s brief but impactful stint showed her potential and provided a boost to UP Warriorz.
Georgia Wareham (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) –
Georgia Wareham was RCB’s standout player and one of the biggest positives from their campaign in the 3rd edition of the tournament. She scored 93 runs at a strike rate of 136.76 and an average of 31 in six innings with the bat. Wareham’s real impact, however, came with the ball, as she took 12 wickets at an average of 21.25 and an economy of 8.79 in eight innings. Her performance placed her as the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, further emphasizing her contribution to RCB’s attack.
The performances of Australian players in WPL 2025 were a testament to their skill, resilience, and leadership. From Gardner’s all-round brilliance to Perry’s batting dominance, each Australian cricketer played a pivotal role in shaping their team’s fortunes. The collective impact of these players not only elevated their respective teams’ standings but also reinforced Australia’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in global women’s cricket.
As the tournament concluded, it was clear that Australian cricketers would continue to set the pace for future generations, inspiring innovation and excellence both on and off the field.
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