WPL 2023: 5 Players who justified their price tags

The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League enthralled the fans with riveting cricketing action as several international stars lit up the T20 extravaganza with their sensational performances. The tournament served as the foundation for the growth of women’s cricket in India and did a phenomenal job in providing the platform for numerous unknown names to showcase their skills against some of the biggest names of world cricket. The historic auction of the first-ever premier women’s T20 competition in India saw numerous stars getting sold for big sums of money as fans were eager to see them representing their favorite franchises. However, there were many players who were sold for exorbitant prices but couldn’t live up to their reputation on the field. But there were also a few from the lot who did full justice to the faith shown in them by their franchises and returned the favor with their stupendous performances. As the historic first edition of WPL came to a close with Mumbai Indians being crowned as the champions, let’s take a look at the players who proved their worth throughout the inaugural edition of the tournament. Top 5 players who justified their prices in the auction and played well 1. Meg Lanning (INR 1.10 Crore) The legendary Australian captain was roped in by Delhi Capitals for a whopping amount of INR 1.10 crore. They faced stiff competition from Mumbai Indians, however, Delhi eventually sealed the deal and got the services of the most successful captain in international cricket (in terms of trophies won). The 31-year-old came into the tournament having vast experience of leading Australia to five ICC titles which includes T20 World Cups in 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2023 and the ODI World Cup in 2022. Lanning lived up to her reputation and led her side from the front as she finished as the highest run scorer of the tournament scoring 345 runs in nine innings at an average of 49.28 and a strike rate of 139.11 with two half-centuries to her name. Apart from her batting heroics, she was top-notch in her tactical decisions on the field and took DC to the final of the tournament. Unfortunately, they lost to Mumbai in the summit clash in a last-over thriller and finished as the runner-up. Despite their loss in the final, Lanning has helped Delhi to build their reputation as a formidable team that will dominate WPL in the coming editions. 2. Marizanne Kapp (1.50 Crore) The South African all-rounder came into the tournament in sensational form as she finished as the third-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup 2023 picking up nine wickets. However, she wasn’t in top form with the bat having scored just 58 runs in five innings. But all of it changed in the WPL as she played a pivotal role for Delhi with both bat and ball. The 33-year-old played several crucial knocks in the middle order and even played the role of a finisher in a few matches. She finished as the third-highest run scorer for her side scoring 177 runs at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 121.23. On the other hand, Kapp was also the joint second-highest wicket-taker for Delhi having nine scalps to her name at an average of 22.88 and an economy of 5.72 which is also the best in the tournament with a minimum of two overs bowled. The right-arm seamer also had the best bowling figures of the competition to her name having picked up 5/15 against Gujarat Giants in Match 9. Kapp did full justice to her role as an all-rounder and delivered for her team with both bat and ball more often than not. 3. Harmanpreet Kaur (INR 1.80 Crore) The Indian captain had the pressure of replicating the success of Mumbai Indians’ men’s team in the WPL and Harmanpreet Kaur didn’t disappoint as she led them to a historic win in the inaugural edition. The swashbuckling batter played a crucial role in her team’s title win as she finished as the second-highest run-scorer for her side with 281 runs to her name at an average of 40.14 and a strike rate of 135.09. Other than taking responsibility with the bat, the MI captain did a phenomenal job in marshaling her troops and bringing them into the match at crucial junctures of the game. Having got Mumbai off to a terrific start, the 34-year-old will look to continue Mumbai’s legacy in the upcoming seasons as well. 4. Sophie Ecclestone (INR 1.80 Crore) Sophie Ecclestone was roped in by UP Warriorz after winning a bidding war against Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants. The left-arm spinner came into the tournament as the leading wicket-taker of the T20 World Cup 2023. Ecclestone continued her brilliant form in the WPL as well, as she topped the bowling charts and finished as the highest wicket-taker along with Hayley Matthews. She scalped 16 wickets in nine matches at an average of 14.68 and an economy of 6.61. The English spinner played a crucial role in Match 15 against Mumbai Indians where she picked 3/15 with the ball and scored 16* off 17 balls to help her side register an important win against the eventual champions which further helped UP to qualify for the playoffs. Ecclestone bamboozled several top batters in the tournament and was one of the positives for UP going forward in WPL. 5. Nat Sciver-Brunt (INR 3.20 Crore) The England all-rounder was the joint second most expensive player in the competition as she triggered a bidding war among Mumbai, UP, and DC. However, it was Mumbai Indians who were successful in buying the services of the star all-rounder for a whopping INR 3.20 crore. Sciver-Brunt did full justice to the whopping amount she was paid, finishing as the second-highest run scorer of the tournament with 332 runs to her name in 10 matches at an average of 66.40 and a strike rate of 140.08. She also shone with the ball for the inaugural WPL champions scalping 10 wickets in as many matches. The 30-year-old brought her ‘A-game’ to the fore in the final of the tournament as she played a gutsy knock of 60* off 55 balls to help Mumbai chase down the target of 132 in the final over and take them to inaugural title victory. Sciver Brunt proved to be one of the strongest pillars of Mumbai’s success with her invaluable contribution with both bat and ball. For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS App Store and Google Play Store

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WPL 2023: 5 Players who justified their price tags

Women's Premier League served as the foundation for the growth of women’s cricket in India.

3. Harmanpreet Kaur (INR 1.80 Crore)

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