Mumbai, Mar 17 (UNI) Ahead of the 13th edition of the 50-over World Cup to be held in India later
this year, a host of the best white-ball players showcased their talents during the Women's Premier League (WPL).
The Mumbai Indians secured a second WPL title with an exciting eight-run victory over the Delhi Capitals in the final of the tournament, with India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side to
the win in her role as skipper.
Harmanpreet was among the leading run-scorers at the tournament for the Champions, but it was England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, also representing Mumbai Indians, who led the way with a whopping 523 runs at an average of 65.37.
Sciver-Brunt will be among the players that will be looking to continue this good form at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India later this year, with the all-rounder sure to play a major role in England's hope to claim their fifth 50-over World Cup title.
Sciver-Brunt was a model of consistency for Mumbai, with the right-hander amassing five half-centuries for Her side across 10 innings with a best score of 80* coming against Delhi at the start
of the tournament.
Experienced Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry hit a superb unbeaten 90 not out against UP Warriorz. Her three half-centuries during the tournament ensured she finished as the second leading run-scorer at the event.
Former Australian skipper Meg Lanning and current Australian all-rounder Ash Gardner also managed to surpass 50 on three occasions during the tournament, with West Indies star Hayley Matthews joining them in an exclusive group.
Gardner managed to hit the most sixes at the tournament with a total of 18 maximums across nine innings, with Shafali Verma (16), Chinelle Henry (15), Richa Ghosh (13), Harmanpreet (11) and
Perry (11) the other players that managed to clear the rope on more than 10 occasions.
Fresh from being named Player of the Tournament during New Zealand's triumph at last year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup, New Zealand all-rounder Melie Kerr won the Purple Cap at the WPL for finishing as the leading wicket-taker.
Kerr actually tied for the honour with Matthews on 18 scalps, with the White Ferns star awarded the honour on a countback of fewer runs conceded from her bowling across the tournament.
Australian spinners Jess Jonassen (13 wickets) and Georgia Wareham (12) were among eight players that got into double figures for wickets at the WPL, with Sciver-Brunt also collecting 12
scalps to showcase her all-round talent.
UNI BM