Top wicket-takers in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025

"In the 2025 Women's Premier League, the prestigious Purple Cap is awarded to the highest wicket-taker, symbolizing exceptional bowling prowess and consistent match-winning impact throughout the season."

The Bowling Battle in WPL 2025

As the WPL 2025 season unfolds, the emphasis on quality bowling has reached new heights. Cricket fans around the world are witnessing some truly electrifying performances from the league’s best pacers and spinners. In a tournament that has already featured several standout bowling performances in just a few matches, the battle for the Purple Cap is heating up. With every delivery, bowlers are not just controlling the run flow but also striking crucial blows to dismantle opposing batting line-ups.

The tournament—now in its third edition—continues to captivate audiences with its fast-paced action and strategic brilliance. Held between 14 February and 15 March 2025, the WPL has become the battleground where top international stars and emerging talents combine to deliver high-quality T20 cricket. As teams travel across venues in Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Vadodara, the pitch conditions and weather variations have only added to the challenge. In these conditions, bowlers who adapt quickly and maintain their discipline are poised to lead their teams to victory.

Meet the Leading Wicket-Takers

Hayley Matthews – Mumbai Indians Women

Hayley Matthews has emerged as one of the standout performers this season. Representing the Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W), Matthews has bowled with precision and pace. In her two matches so far, she has delivered eight overs and claimed five crucial wickets, including a best bowling figure of 3/16. With an economy rate hovering around 6.0, Matthews has proved to be both a wicket-taking and economical option for her team. Her knack for breaking partnerships early has not only eased pressure on MI-W’s middle order but also kept the opposition on their toes. Such consistent performances have made her a favorite in the Purple Cap race.

Renuka Singh – Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women

Another name making waves is Renuka Singh of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W). Matching Matthews with five wickets in her two matches over eight overs, Singh has impressed critics with her control and ability to bowl in high-pressure situations. Her best figures of 3/23 have already turned games in favor of RCB-W on more than one occasion. With a similarly economical spell as Matthews, Singh’s contributions are vital for a team that aims to capitalize on every wicket to turn the game around. The consistency and maturity in her bowling have earned her accolades from both fans and experts alike.

Annabel Sutherland – Delhi Capitals Women

For the Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W), Annabel Sutherland has taken center stage with her impressive spell in three innings. Over 9.1 overs, Sutherland has claimed five wickets with a best bowling figure of 3/34. While her average and economy rate are slightly higher compared to some of her peers, her ability to strike at critical junctures—often during pressure-packed moments—has proved invaluable for her team. Her spell-changing deliveries have provided Delhi with the momentum needed to counter strong batting performances from the opposition.

Priya Mishra – Gujarat Giants Women

Priya Mishra of the Gujarat Giants Women (GG-W) is another bowler making a significant impact early in the season. In three matches, Mishra has taken five wickets over 11 overs, with her best figures recorded as 3/25. Despite a slightly higher average of 18.8, her knack for picking up wickets in clusters has given her team breathing space in tight matches. Her performance highlights the strategic depth of Gujarat’s bowling attack, which relies on both experience and youthful exuberance. As the tournament progresses, Mishra’s continued consistency could well see her challenge for the Purple Cap.

Amelia Kerr – Mumbai Indians Women

Rounding out the top five is Amelia Kerr, also from the Mumbai Indians Women. Although Kerr has taken four wickets in just two matches over eight overs, her impressive best bowling figure of 2/21 has often swung momentum in MI-W’s favor. Kerr’s role is crucial, particularly in conditions where a few extra runs can be the difference between a win and a loss. By providing a steady line and length, she has become a reliable option to break the opposition’s rhythm.

Tactical Nuances and Bowling Strategies

One of the most exciting aspects of the WPL 2025 season has been the tactical evolution on the field. Captains are experimenting with new field placements and bowling changes to outfox the opposition. For instance, teams have been noted to use a mix of pace and spin to exploit specific conditions. On pitches that offer even a slight turn, spinners like Priya Mishra have an edge, while pace bowlers such as Hayley Matthews have thrived on flatter tracks where precision is key.

Furthermore, the diversity in bowling techniques has added an extra layer of intrigue to the contest. The battle is not just between teams but also among bowlers, each employing different styles and tactics. This season, we’ve seen a healthy mix of swing, seam, and spin deliveries that have kept batsmen guessing. The evolution of these strategies has been one of the highlights of the season, reflecting both the global nature of the league and the diverse backgrounds of its players.

The Road Ahead

As the WPL 2025 season progresses, the role of these top wicket-takers will only become more significant. With matches scheduled in various conditions—from the seaming tracks of Bengaluru to the slower pitches in Lucknow—bowlers will need to continuously adapt their strategies. The competition is fierce, and every wicket taken will be critical in a game that often swings on narrow margins.

Teams are already planning mid-season adjustments to their bowling attacks, learning from the early performances of players like Matthews, Singh, Sutherland, Mishra, and Kerr. With the stakes getting higher and the pressure mounting, every delivery, every ball, every wicket will add to the narrative of this memorable season.

For fans and cricket pundits alike, this season offers not just thrilling cricket but also a masterclass in bowling strategy and execution. The race for the Purple Cap is far from over, and as the tournament unfolds, these bowlers are set to etch their names in the history books of the WPL.

Conclusion

The top wicket-takers of the WPL 2025 season are not only individual stars but also key cogs in their team’s machinery. Their performances have brought a unique blend of consistency, skill, and adaptability to the tournament, reflecting the evolving nature of women’s cricket in India and around the world. As teams vie for the coveted Purple Cap, the emphasis on bowling has never been greater—each wicket is a turning point that could very well decide the outcome of the match.

With the season still in its early stages, it remains to be seen who will ultimately emerge as the leading wicket-taker. For now, the battle continues, and every match promises more drama, more tension, and more breathtaking moments on the field.

The journey of these exceptional bowlers in the WPL 2025 is a testament to the spirit and talent of women’s cricket. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with innovative strategies, has made this season one for the record books. Whether you are a die-hard cricket fan or a casual viewer, the performances on display serve as a reminder of why cricket remains one of the most captivating sports in the world.