WPL 2023: Race to Orange and Purple cap intensifies with several contenders gunning for glory

As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 is set to conclude with Delhi Capitals squaring off against Mumbai Indians, the race for the Orange and Purple cap has intensified. It is due to the fact that players of both teams are in contention for the individual honours and have one match in hand to clinch the respective prestigious caps. 

Notably, Sunday’s (March 26) blockbuster finale will see the Meg Lanning-led Delhi play Harmanpreet Kaur’s Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium for the coveted title. While the league has witnessed numerous impressive performances both with the bat and ball, only two players will get their hands on the Orange and Purple caps. 

Speaking about the batting performances, Delhi skipper Meg Lanning is currently holding the Orange cap. With 310 runs in eight outings, she has played an integral role with the bat at the top of the order in Delhi’s road to finals. However, Mumbai Indians’ flamboyant batter Nat Sciver-Brunt has been fairly consistent for her side and is third on the charts with 272 runs in nine matches. 

Hayley Matthews (MI-W), Harmanpreet Kaur (MI-W), and Shafali Verma (DEL-W) are also in contention for the cap with scores of 258, 244, and 241 runs respectively. With the final match still to be played, all eyes will be on these players as they will be gunning to play game-changing knocks which can possibly help them clinch the individual honour.

Here is how the Orange Cap table reads-

Purple Cap race wide open in WPL 2023

Though World No. 1 WT20I bowler, Sophie Ecclestone, at the moment leads the charts with 16 wickets in nine outings, the race is wide open for the Purple cap. Ahead of the highly-anticipated summit clash, the likes of Saika Ishaque (15 wickets), Amelia Kerr (13), Hayley Matthews (13), and Issy Wong (12) are in contention for the most wickets taken in the WPL first season. 

As the tournament draws curtains on March 26, there will undoubtedly be movements in the standings. Considering Saika Ishaque’s current form, the spin sensation is well placed to lead the pack and clinch the Purple cap.

However, one cannot rule out Issy Wong, taking into account her four-wicket haul in the Eliminator which included a hat-trick. Another one of those game changing bowling performances can see her snatch the honour from Ecclestone and fellow teammates in the race.

Here is how the Purple Cap table reads-