WPL 2023: Top-five knocks of inaugural edition

Sophie Devine . (Photo Source: Twitter/WPL)

The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 saw the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians clinch the coveted title after a thrilling final against the Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals. As expected, the batters of the tournament lit the stage on fire with some impressive knocks.

The five franchises had plenty of firepower in their batting line-ups, the likes of Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, Alyssa Healy, and many more were at their very best at the inaugural WPL. Following the conclusion of the marquee tournament, let us have a look at the top-five knocks of the inaugural WPL.

5. Shafali Verma 76*(28) vs Gujarat Giants

Shafali verma. (Photo Source: Twitter/WPL)

One of the best knocks of the tournament came when Delhi Capitals took on Gujarat Giants in the ninth match of the competition. Batting first, Gujarat only managed to post 105 runs on the board. The Sneh Rana-led side were coming off a win against the Royal Challengers Bangalore and were keen on defending the target to register their second win of the season.

As Delhi came in to bat, they started off the run chase as they meant to go on. They did not lose a single wicket during the run chase and clinched the win by 10 wickets in the end. The victory was mostly thanks to a fabulous knock by the 19-year-old, Shafali Verma, who scored an unbeaten 76 runs in just 28 deliveries.

Shafali was also sensational in the very first match of the inaugural WPL, where she scored a massive 84 runs in 45 deliveries to hand Royal Challengers Bangalore their first defeat of the season.

4. Nat Sciver-Brunt 72* (38) vs UP Warriorz

Nat Sciver-Brunt. (Photo Source: Twitter/WPL)

One of the most explosive knocks of the competition came at the hands of Mumbai Indians star Nat Sciver-Brunt, and that too in a high-pressure game. As Mumbai Indians finished second in the standings, they took on UP Warriorz in the eliminator match.

Batting first, Mumbai lost both of their openers early, but English all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt played a resilient knock as she scored 72* off 38 deliveries to mount up the pressure on the Healy-led Warriorz.

Her knock was integral for Mumbai as they made their way into the summit clash of the tournament, where they eventually went on to win the title as well. She was also named Player of the Match for her knock and for her integral performance with the ball.

3. Grace Harris 59*(26) vs Gujarat Giants

Grace Harris. (Photo Source: Twitter/WPL)

Coming off a defeat in the season opener at the hands of Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants next took on the Alyssa Healy-led UP Warriorz in the third match of the competition. Batting first, Gujarat managed to post 169 runs on the board following decent knocks by Harleen Deol and Ashleigh Gardner.

Warriorz came in to bat with a clear plan in mind, however, they hit early obstacles as both of their openers were dismissed early on in the run chase. It was the joint effort of Kiran Navgire and Grace Harris that propelled them to a sensational victory.

Harris played a sensational knock of 59* off just 26 deliveries as she took on the responsibility and was integral for her side as they registered their first win of the competition.

2. Nat Sciver-Brunt 60*(55) vs Delhi Capitals

Nat Sciver. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Undoubtedly, the most important innings of both Sciver-Brunt and Mumbai’s campaigns in the inaugural WPL season came in the summit clash of the competition. As Mumbai Indians faced Delhi Capitals in the final of the WPL 2023, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side were coming off a fabulous bowling display in the first innings.

Harmanpreet finally had the chance to win a final against Meg Lanning as both teams fought for title glory. After the first innings, Mumbai needed 132 runs to win, and the side looked to be in trouble after both openers were dismissed early.

However, it was the resilience of an in-form Nat Sciver-Brunt that came through for Mumbai in the end. The 30-year-old English all-rounder scored an unbeaten 60 runs off 55 deliveries and was the biggest factor in Mumbai Indians winning the tournament.

1. Sophie Devine 99(36) vs Gujarat Giants

Sophie Devine. (Photo Source: Twitter/WPL)

The best knock of the tournament came at the hands of Sophie Devine when Royal Challengers Bangalore faced Gujarat Giants in the 16th match of the tournament.

Gujarat Giants posted 188 runs on the board after fabulous knocks by Laura Wolvaardt and Ashleigh Gardner. As Bangalore looked to put in a similar performance with the bat in the second innings, the Smriti Mandhana-led side did just that.

Opening the innings, Sophie Devine was especially fabulous with the bat against Gujarat, as she scored 99 runs in just 36 deliveries. Her explosive innings remained the highest individual score of the tournament, and she propelled her side to a much-needed victory.