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The third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is poised to entertain ricket enthusiasts with its exciting lineup of matches. The tournament will begin on February 14, 2025, with a high-stakes encounter between the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Gujarat Giants (GG). This opening match, set to take place at the BCA Stadium in Baroda, will set the tone for the rest of the competition. Fans can expect a fierce battle between the two teams as they aim for early dominance in the league.
As the league progresses, the competition is expected to intensify with top players from around the world showcasing their talent. The final, scheduled for March 15, 2025, will take place at the iconic Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai, adding an extra layer of excitement. This prestigious venue will host the culmination of the tournament, where the champions of WPL 2025 will be crowned.
Batters set to dominate WPL 2025
The WPL has consistently provided a platform for batters to showcase their dominance, and the 2025 edition is expected to be no different. Over the past two seasons, several top-order players have stamped their authority with match-winning performances, combining power-hitting with consistency to emerge as the backbone of their respective franchises. Their ability to pace an innings, counter opposition strategies, and accelerate at crucial junctures has set them apart.
One of the key attributes of these standout batters is their adaptability across different conditions. Whether facing spin-friendly tracks or flat decks conducive to stroke play, they have displayed remarkable skill in rotating the strike and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Their aggressive intent has often put bowlers under immense pressure, forcing captains to rethink field placements and bowling changes. With an array of strokes, they have mastered the art of dismantling both pace and spin attacks, making them indispensable in the shortest format.
Top 5 leading run scorers in Women’s Premier League (WPL) history
As of the end of the two season so far, five batters have stood out with their consistent performances across both editions, amassing the most runs in the league’s brief but exciting history. These players have not only set new benchmarks but have also played instrumental roles in their respective teams’ campaigns.
1. Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals-W) – 676 Runs
Meg Lanning, one of the most accomplished batters in women’s cricket, has been the most prolific scorer in WPL history. Across the two seasons (2023 and 2024), she accumulated 676 runs in 18 innings at an average of 42.25 and a strike rate of 130.75. Leading the Delhi Capitals (DC), Lanning consistently provided strong starts at the top of the order and set the foundation for her team’s success.
Her ability to pace an innings, shift gears when required, and handle pressure situations made her the backbone of the Delhi batting lineup. She smashed six half-centuries in the league, with her highest score being 72. Notably, in the 2024 season, she continued her consistency, scoring 331 runs in nine matches with four fifties. Her classical stroke play, combined with an aggressive intent, has made her one of the most reliable and entertaining batters in the WPL.
2. Ellyse Perry (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) – 600 Runs
Ellyse Perry, the Australian all-rounder, has been a crucial figure for RCB and ranks second in the list with 600 runs in just 17 innings. With an outstanding average of 54.54 and a strike rate of 124.74, Perry has been the anchor in RCB’s middle order. She has displayed her ability to accelerate when required while also consolidating in tricky situations.
The 2024 season saw Perry at her best, where she emerged as the highest run-getter of the tournament, amassing 347 runs in just nine innings at a staggering average of 69.40. She played two crucial half-centuries and remained unbeaten on multiple occasions, guiding RCB to competitive totals. Perry’s all-round ability to contribute both with the bat and ball makes her one of the most valuable players in WPL history.
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3. Shafali Verma (Delhi Capitals) – 561 Runs
Shafali Verma, known for her explosive batting at the top of the order, has been one of the most impactful batters in WPL. The young Indian opener has scored 561 runs in 18 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 168.46, the highest among the top five run-scorers. She has been a game-changer for the Capitals, capable of taking the match away from the opposition within the powerplay.
Shafali’s fearless approach and ability to find boundaries with ease have made her a nightmare for bowlers. Her highest score of 84 came in the 2023 season, where she played several match-winning knocks. In the 2024 edition, she continued her aggressive style, scoring 309 runs at a strike rate of 156.85, including three fifties. Her power-hitting ability, especially in the early overs, has made her an invaluable asset to the Delhi Capitals.
4. Harmanpreet Kaur (Mumbai Indians) – 549 Runs
Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been a key contributor to her team’s success, scoring 549 runs in 16 innings at an average of 45.75 and a strike rate of 137.93. As the leader of MI, she has shouldered the responsibility of guiding her team in crunch moments and has played several impactful knocks.
Her highest score of 95* in the 2024 season was a breathtaking innings that showcased her ability to finish games under pressure. Harmanpreet has registered five fifties in the WPL, proving her consistency and adaptability across conditions. With 74 fours and 11 sixes to her name, she has been a dominant force in the middle order, often rescuing MI from difficult situations and propelling them to competitive totals.
5. Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians) – 504 Runs
Nat Sciver-Brunt, another crucial performer for Mumbai , completes the top five run-getters with 504 runs in 19 innings. While she has a relatively lower average (36.00) compared to the others on this list, her strike rate of 132.28 highlights her aggressive intent. The English all-rounder has played several crucial innings, particularly in high-pressure situations.
She was one of the standout batters in the 2023 season, scoring 332 runs in 10 innings at an astonishing average of 66.40, including three fifties. However, her form dipped slightly in 2024, where she managed only 172 runs in nine innings. Despite that, her ability to accelerate in the middle overs and provide stability to MI’s batting lineup makes her one of the most impactful batters in WPL history.
