WPL 2024: Top 3 contenders to win the Purple Cap

With the second edition of the WPL coming ahead in a few days, there have been intriguing anticipation amongst the fanatics, especially after a successful inaugural edition, thanks to the women’s impeccable display of cricketing calibre. As the sport suggests, the bowlers are the ones that create a significant impact on the team’s game, but in a behind-the-scene mode.

Though there are many exceptional bowlers, their talent, experience, and drive may leave an indelible mark on the game. However, in the shortest format, bowlers play an essential part in determining the result of matches, and certain players stand out as potential game-changers due to their ability to reliably take up wickets. Let us check on the top three bowlers who can scalp the most wickets and earn the Purple Cap of the WPL 2024.

Shreyanka Patil

Shreyanka Patil, a right-arm off-break bowler, has emerged as a genuine potential for India. The 21-year-old ended the Women’s Senior One Day Trophy 2022-23 with the second most wickets. She began playing cricket after watching the Indian Premier League (IPL) and is an avid Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) supporter. She got picked by her hometown arsenal in the inaugural edition and did the trick with her spin-bowling skills.

She has scalped a decent six wickets from seven innings with an economy of 9.84. But, with her recent performances for the Indian cricket team and the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, she becomes one of the major players to check out for in the upcoming WPL edition & of course, a strong contender for the Purple Cap.

Marizanne Kapp

Marizanne Kapp is an experienced bowler who has contributed vital to her WPL franchise, Delhi Capitals. The South African right-arm medium bowler has contributed significantly to the franchise cricket teams she has represented. In the event’s last edition, the 34-year-old bowler took nine wickets at an average of 22.89 and had a fantastic economy of 5.72.

She bowls with excellent line and length, making it challenging for batters to play a stroke. Notably, she has perfect control over the run pace, demonstrating her ability to flourish under duress in the competitive WPL environment. She also holds the title for bowling the most maiden overs and dot balls (121 balls) during the first WPL season.

Sophie Ecclestone

Sophie Ecclestone, the current No.1 T20 Bowler, emerged as a pillar for the UP Warriorz Women squad in the inaugural edition, stunning onlookers with her excellent left-arm orthodox spin. Ecclestone grabbed 16 wickets in nine matches, at an outstanding average of 14.69.

Her ability to maintain a tight economy rate of 6.65 emphasized her importance to the squad, helping the UP Warriorz to their winning stints and cementing her position as one of the league’s top spinners.