RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, clinched their maiden title in the franchise league, marking a historic moment in their journey. The final, held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, witnessed a captivating battle between the two powerhouse teams, ultimately culminating in RCB’s triumph.
The victory not only ended RCB’s long-awaited quest for a championship but also secured them a substantial financial reward of Rs. 6 crore. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals, despite their valiant efforts, settled for the runner-up position, earning Rs. 3 crore. This marked their second consecutive final loss, having previously faced defeat against Mumbai Indians in the inaugural edition of the league.
Among the standout performers of the season was Shreyanka Patil from RCB, who was awarded the Emerging Player of the Season accolade along with a prize of Rs. 5 lakh. Patil’s stellar performance as a spinner garnered widespread praise, establishing her as one of the rising stars of the tournament. Additionally, Deepti Sharma from UPW was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her consistent all-round contributions throughout the season. Despite her exceptional performances, UPW failed to qualify for the playoffs, reflecting the individual brilliance overshadowed by the team’s overall performance.
Ellyse Perry, the star player from RCB, claimed the prestigious Orange Cap after amassing 347 runs in nine matches during the season. Perry’s remarkable batting prowess, which included two half-centuries, played a pivotal role in RCB’s title-winning campaign. Alongside the Orange Cap, Perry also received a prize money of Rs. 5 lakh for her outstanding performance with the bat. Meanwhile, Shreyanka Patil, in addition to her Emerging Player award, secured the Purple Cap for being the leading wicket-taker of the season with 13 scalps to her name.
Shafali Verma of Delhi Capitals was recognized for her explosive batting display, earning her the Most Sixes Award for smashing a total of 20 sixes throughout the season. Another noteworthy accolade was the Best Strike Rate Award, claimed by Georgia Wareham from RCB, who maintained an astonishing strike rate of 163.24, showcasing her ability to score quick runs.
The Catch of the Season award went to S. Sajana of Mumbai Indians for her exceptional fielding effort, highlighting the importance of athleticism and agility in the game. Additionally, RCB’s exemplary sportsmanship and adherence to fair play principles earned them the Fair Play Award, further solidifying their status as deserving champions.
Overall, the WPL 2024 season witnessed thrilling contests, exceptional individual performances, and memorable moments that captivated fans and showcased the immense talent within women’s cricket. As RCB celebrated their triumph, the league concluded on a high note, setting the stage for future editions to continue raising the bar of excellence in women’s cricket.
