Shafali Verma – Delhi Capitals
Shafali Verma had a fantastic tournament playing for the Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League 2023. In 9 matches, she scored a total of 252 runs at an average of 31.50 with an impressive strike rate of 185. Her outstanding performance began with a blazing 84 off 45 balls in the opening match of the tournament, which helped her team to a mammoth total of 223-2. This innings was not only the highest score by any player in the match but also the fastest by any batsman in the tournament.
Verma's consistent contributions with the bat were undoubtedly one of the key factors behind Delhi Capitals' success in reaching the tournament final. Her impressive average and strike rate indicate that she was able to score runs at an extremely fast pace without sacrificing consistency. Verma's performances in the Women's Premier League 2023 were remarkable, and she demonstrated that she is a talented and exciting player with a bright future ahead of her in the world of cricket.
Hayley Matthews – Mumbai Indians
Hayley Matthews had an outstanding tournament playing for the Mumbai Indians in the inaugural Women's Premier League. The West Indies captain emerged as the top-performing all-rounder of the tournament, winning the coveted Purple Cap for taking the most wickets and being named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
Matthews' impressive performance with the bat and ball was a key factor in Mumbai Indians' success in the tournament. In 10 matches, she scored a total of 271 runs at an average of 11.30 and a strike rate of 126, with her highest score being an unbeaten 77. Her blazing innings against Royal Challengers Bangalore showcased her ability to take on any bowling attack and score runs at a rapid pace.
Along with her batting prowess, Matthews was also a lethal bowler, taking 16 wickets in the tournament at an impressive average of 12.62 and an economy rate of 5.94. Her best figures of 3-5 highlighted her ability to take wickets at crucial moments.
Harmanpreet Kaur – Mumbai Indians (Captain)
Harmanpreet Kaur has a stellar tournament as the captain of the Mumbai Indians in the inaugural Women's Premier League. Kaur, who is a well-known name in women's cricket, was in excellent form throughout the tournament, averaging 40 and scoring a total of 281 runs with three fifties.
Kaur's batting performances were crucial to Mumbai Indians' success in winning the WPL trophy. Her innings of 65 off just 30 balls against the Gujarat Giants set the tone for the tournament and showcased her ability to score quickly and aggressively. Her partnerships with other key players, including a decisive 72-run stand with Nat Sciver-Brunt in the final, were also crucial to the team's success.
As the captain of the Mumbai Indians, Kaur also showed strong leadership qualities, guiding her team to victory in crucial matches and making important tactical decisions. Her experience and skill as a player undoubtedly played a crucial role in Mumbai Indians' triumph in the tournament.
Grace Harris – UP Warriorz
Grace Harris was a standout performer for the UP Warriorz in the inaugural Women's Premier League. Despite tough competition for overseas spots, Harris was able to secure a spot in the team thanks to her impressive performances with the bat.
Harris' innings of 72 off just 41 balls against the Gujarat Giants was a standout performance and played a crucial role in UP's successful chase of 181. Her ability to score quickly and aggressively was on full display throughout the tournament, as evidenced by her strike rate of 165 and her overall total of 230 runs at an average of 57.50.
Dayalan Hemalatha – Gujarat Giants
Dayalan Hemalatha was a valuable player for the Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League 2023. While she experienced a brief run of low scores in the middle of the tournament, she was able to bookend the tournament with smart knocks that showcased her hitting prowess.
Hemalatha's consecutive not-out scores in the 20s at the beginning of the tournament helped kickstart her campaign with the Gujarat Giants. However, it was her innings of 57 off 33 balls that truly stood out as a testament to her ability to hit the ball effectively and score runs quickly.
Richa Ghosh – Royal Challengers Bangalore (wicketkeeper)
Richa Ghosh has a decent tournament as the wicketkeeper for Royal Challengers Bangalore. While she didn't perform at her explosive best, she contributed with consistent scores and had a strike rate of 135. Her wicketkeeping skills were also impressive, with nine dismissals - the third-most in the league. Overall, she proved to be a valuable asset for her team in the Women's Premier League.
Sophie Ecclestone – UP Warriorz
Sophie Ecclestone was one of the top-performing players in the Women's Premier League. As a bowler, she stood out with her impressive record of 16 wickets at an average of 14.68 and an economy rate of 6.61. Her best performance came against Mumbai Indians when she took 3-15 and helped UP Warriorz end their unbeaten run in the tournament. Additionally, Ecclestone also made valuable contributions with the bat, scoring 70 runs at a strike rate of 120.69.
Shikha Pandey – Delhi Capitals
Shikha Pandey had a great WPL season, leading the Delhi Capitals' bowling attack with 10 wickets at an average of 21.10. She was a standout performer among the Indian pacers and also showcased her fielding skills and ability to contribute with the bat. Pandey's performances in the tournament would have certainly caught the attention of the national selectors.
Issy Wong – Mumbai Indians
Issy Wong, the 20-year-old fast bowler from Mumbai Indians, proved herself to be one of the most exciting young talents in the WPL. With 15 wickets at an impressive average of 14.00, Wong finished the tournament as the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers. Her strike rate of 14 was also the best among bowlers who had bowled at least 15 overs. Her hat-trick in the Eliminator match further cemented her position as a bright prospect for the future.
ITara Norris – Delhi Capitals
Despite playing only five matches in the WPL, Tara Norris, the USA-born left-arm seamer, made a significant impact with her bowling performances for Delhi Capitals. She recorded the first five-for in WPL history, which allowed Delhi to play five overseas players in their XI. With seven wickets at an impressive average of 12.71, Norris proved to be an effective bowler in the limited opportunities she had.
Saika Ishaque – Mumbai Indians
Saika Ishaque had a strong performance in the WPL tournament. With 15 wickets at an average of 16.26 and an economy rate of 7.00, she was consistently effective in tying up batters with her left-arm spin. Ishaque was one of the top performers for Mumbai Indians, helping them to win their first WPL title.
