WPL 2024: Mid-Season Review And Analysis

In what has been a competitive and tantalising set of matches so far, the Women’s Premier League 2024 (WPL 2024) has been nothing short of an extravaganza of the best cricketing forces coming together- producing some jaw-dropping performances and matches.

With all teams having played four matches each, let us take a moment and assess everything that has transpired, team-wise and put whatever has happened so far in perspective at the halfway stage!

WPL 2024: How do the teams look like Mid-Season?

Delhi Capitals [Position in the Table: 1]

Matches: 4  | Won: 3  | Lost: 1

Delhi Capitals have once again proven to be a dominant unit, replicating the performances of the inaugural season of the WPL and even going a notch above, this season.

Off to a slow start losing a close encounter with the defending champions- Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals came back strong notching three consecutive wins versus the UP Warriorz, Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Gujarat Giants. Meg Lanning has been phenomenal as a skipper and has led from the front, showing no rustiness from her time away from the international circuit.

What makes Delhi Capitals a special unit is their innate ability to form a solid team composition with an enviable Indian core that delivers every single time, coupled with the overseas players taking responsibility. The team has showcased an ability to be solid- batting first piling on big totals and while chasing totals without hassle, making them an all-rounded and versatile team.

Noteworthy Mentions:

• With the Bat: Alice Capsey (148 Runs) and Meg Lanning (148 Runs)
• With the Ball: Radha Yadav (7 Wickets), Arundhati Reddy (6 Wickets), Jess Jonassen (6 Wickets), Marizanne Kapp (6 Wickets)
• Best Team Performance: Versus RCB and GG

ALSO READ: Under The Spotlight: Top 5 Performances By Indian Domestic Players In WPL 2024

Mumbai Indians [Position in the Table: 2]

Matches: 4  | Won: 3  | Lost: 1

The defending champions, Mumbai Indians have been formidable through the tournament with performances to remember. Giving their opposition a run for their money in every single match, MI has been the team to beat. With three wins and a solitary loss so far in the tournament- MI has ticked all the boxes and looks en route to make it to the playoffs again.

With a resounding win against Delhi to kickstart the tournament, Mumbai defeated UP Warriorz and lost to Gujarat Giants. Not letting the setbacks get the better of them, MI romped back to form with a stellar win against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Mumbai Indians often have their overseas players at the forefront of their victories, while that is the case even this season what is interesting and refreshing to note is that there are Indian players who are delivering. Be it Yastika Bhatia who has been impressive at the start delivering strong starts to Saika Ishaque with the ball giving crucial breakthroughs, MI is once again showing promise of making it to the finals on the back of good league stage performances.

Noteworthy Mentions:

• With the Bat: Yastika Bhatia (121 Runs)
• With the Ball: Amelia Kerr (7 Wickets)
• Best Team Performance: Versus DC, RCB

UP Warriorz [Position in the Table: 3]

Matches: 4  | Won: 2  | Lost: 2

UP Warriorz was another team to watch out for ahead of WPL 2024 for the sheer punch they pack with all their planning, strategies and off-field ventures. While they were rocked by injuries of players like Lauren Cheatle early on with Vrinda Dinesh possibly getting ruled out in the ongoing season- UP Warriorz has taken everything in their stride and managed to put up good and reasonable performances.

In the season currently, UP Warriorz got off to a tricky start losing to RCB by 2 runs and DC in their first two matches, they quickly made up for it by sealing wins versus MI and GG. With a lot of Indian domestic stars coming to the fore and delivering like Kiran Navgire and Shweta Sehrawat; overseas stars like Alyssa Healy, Sophie Ecclestone and Grace Harris have also been impressive.

With two wins and two losses, UP has important matches still left and the second leg of the tournament will allow them to continue the momentum and make it to the playoffs.

Noteworthy Mentions:

• With the Bat: Grace Harris (148 Runs)
• With the Ball: Sophie Ecclestone (6 Wickets)
• Best Team Performance: Versus MI and UPW

Royal Challengers Bangalore [Position in the Table: 4]

Matches: 4  | Won: 2  | Lost: 2

Royal Challengers Bangalore had a very underwhelming season in WPL 2023 so the second season was one for them to prove all their detractors wrong. Considering the first stage was a home leg for RCB, they maximised and made the most of the home advantage but will look to go one-up against UP Warriorz in their final home game.

ALSO READ: WPL 2024: 5 Reasons Why RCB Lost To Delhi Capitals And Mumbai Indians

Missing Kanika Ahuja due to an injury, RCB was rocked early on. But this season nonetheless RCB got off to wins against RCB and GG but were brought back to reality with middling and disappointing losses to MI and DC. RCB has had mixed fortunes this season and will look to bounce back with a crucial set of encounters still left in the Delhi leg.

Smriti Mandhana has been much better as a skipper and with S Meghana, Richa Ghosh and the overseas players delivering, RCB has looked in better shape than the past season.

Noteworthy Mentions:

• With the Bat: Smriti Mandhana (139 Runs), S Meghana (136 Runs)
• With the Ball: Asha Shobana (5 Wickets)
• Best Team Performance: Versus UPW, GG

Gujarat Giants [Position in the Table: 5]

Matches: 4  | Won: 0  | Lost: 4

Off to a sluggish start, Gujarat Giants has struggled massively this season quite similar to how they have been in the past edition of the WPL. With Beth Mooney slotting herself back into the team and leading as skipper, the all-round troubles for GG just do not seem to end.

With the overseas players not stepping up and delivering, the domestic players have equally found it hard to find their footing and thrive in the team environment. Four consecutive losses under their belt versus the other teams does not make for a good reading.

GG would look to turn their fortunes in the second leg of the tournament and rejig combinations to come out on top.

Noteworthy Mentions:

• With the Bat: Ashleigh Gardner (92 Runs)
• With the Ball: Tanuja Kanwer (6 Wickets)
• Best Team Performance: None so far

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