WPL 2024: India’s women’s team couldn’t win the first two ODIs of the three-match series against England but finished with a consolation win in the third and final game on Sunday. India bundled out England for just 126 runs in the first innings. They looked in trouble when Shafali Verma was out cheaply for 6 but it was Smriti Mandhana, who once again came to the team’s rescue.
She formed a 57-run partnership with Rodrigues and took India out of early trouble. Mandhana ended up playing a valuable knock of 48 runs in 48 balls to help his team chase down the target in 19 overs.
There is no denying the fact that Smriti Mandhana has been India’s linchpin in the batting attack. She will be one of the players to watch out for in the upcoming second edition of the Women’s Premier League.
Mandhana Earned The Biggest Bid In WPL 2023
She became the most expensive player last year in the 2023 Women’s Premier League auction as Royal Challengers Bangalore bought his services for a record-breaking prize of INR 3.4 crore. RCB, however, couldn’t do well and finished at number four with only 2 wins in 8 matches.
The Indian opener failed to live up to the expectations as she could only manage to score 149 runs in 8 matches at an underwhelming strike rate of 111.19. Ahead of the second season, Mandhana will, once again, be seen leading the side and the fans will have high expectations from her.
Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland was the joint most expensive player as she too was bought for INR 2 crore. The 2024 Women’s Premier League auction took place on 9th December 2023. Kashvee Gautam wrote her name in the history books after she became the most expensive uncapped player at the auction, garnering 2 crores for her services.
WPL 2024 Starting Date
The Women’s Premier League 2024 is all set to be conducted from 22nd February to 17th March 2024. Mumbai Indians won the inaugural edition after beating Delhi Capitals in the final by 7 wickets. Both teams finished with 8 wins each to their name at the end of the league stage.
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