Top 10 wicket-takers in WPL history
The Women’s Premier League has quickly become a stage where bowlers—both spinners and pacers—turn matches on their head. Across the first seasons, a handful of bowlers have repeatedly delivered in crunch moments, combining control with wicket-taking instincts. Here’s a close look at the ten bowlers who have taken the most wickets in the WPL so far and what makes each of them special.
1. Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians Women) — 46 wickets
Amelia Kerr sits clear at the summit with 46 wickets in 32 matches. The New Zealand off-spinner mixes flight, drift and subtle turn to choke batters and break partnerships. Her best figures of 5/38 underline her ability to win games single‑handedly. Kerr’s economy (around 7.50) and a strong strike rate make her a genuine match-winner through the middle overs.
2. Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians Women) — 42 wickets
Hayley Matthews has been an all-round weapon for Mumbai, chipping in with 42 wickets in 30 games. A clever off-spinner who bowls in powerplays and middle overs, Matthews combines control (economy ~7.36) with the knack for picking up timely breakthroughs. Her best of 3/5 demonstrates how quickly she can strangle a chase.
3. Sophie Ecclestone (UP Warriorz) — 38 wickets
Sophie Ecclestone’s left-arm orthodox spin is a constant threat: 38 wickets in 28 matches. She bowls with excellent accuracy and exploits angles against both right- and left-handers. While her economy is tidy, it’s her ability to build pressure over spells and pick regular wickets that makes her so dangerous.
4. Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians Women) — 35 wickets
Primarily known as a batter, Nat Sciver-Brunt has been a vital bowling option for Mumbai with 35 wickets in 31 matches. Her medium‑pace variations and intelligent use of line and length allow her to chip in with crucial dismissals, especially in middle overs. She brings balance to the team as a genuine two-way player.
5. Jess Jonassen (Delhi Capitals Women) — 33 wickets
Australia’s Jess Jonassen has been Delhi’s go‑to spinner, claiming 33 wickets in 24 matches. Her left-arm spin, subtle changes of pace and experience enable her to control the middle overs and create chances. Jonassen’s 4/31 shows she can also turn matches with a single big spell.
6. Shikha Pandey (Delhi Capitals / UP Warriorz) — 32 wickets
Shikha Pandey’s seam bowling has been invaluable across two franchises, yielding 32 wickets in 30 matches. A reliable new-ball option who can also deliver in death overs, Pandey mixes yorkers, cutters and slower balls to keep scoring in check while finding breakthroughs.
7. Marizanne Kapp (Delhi Capitals Women) — 30 wickets
Marizanne Kapp is a complete package: useful with the bat and miserly with the ball. Her economy is the best among the top ten (around 5.94), and she has a devastating best return of 5/15. Kapp’s control in powerplays and at the death makes her one of the most effective pace-bowling all‑rounders in the league.
8. Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz) — 29 wickets
Deepti Sharma’s off-spin has fetched her 29 wickets in 28 matches. A variety of deliveries—from classical off-breaks to carroms and arm-balls—keeps batters guessing. Deepti is used mainly in the middle overs to build pressure and force mistakes, and she has repeatedly shown the ability to bounce back under attack.
9. Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants Women) — 26 wickets
A classical attacking spinner, Ashleigh Gardner has taken 26 wickets in 28 matches. Often used as a wicket-taking option rather than a defensive bowler, Gardner tempts batters into risky shots and then capitalises. Her all‑round talents make her a persistent threat throughout the innings.
10. Saika Ishaque (Mumbai Indians Women) — 25 wickets
Saika Ishaque is the success story of the WPL’s domestic pathway. The left-arm spinner has 25 wickets in 23 matches and has produced standout spells such as 4/11. Ishaque’s sharp turn and clever variations make her a key middle‑over operator for Mumbai and a promising talent for the future.
Key takeaways
- Mumbai Indians Women have dominated the wicket charts, with four bowlers inside the top ten—evidence of a deep, balanced bowling unit.
- Spin has been a decisive weapon in the league; many of the highest wicket-takers are spinners who control middle overs and break partnerships.
- Marizanne Kapp’s exceptional economy highlights the continued value of tight, disciplined bowling even in a high-scoring T20 environment.
- The WPL provides a platform where international stars and domestic players alike can develop and shine—Saika Ishaque’s rise is a perfect example.
Conclusion
The WPL’s early seasons have already produced a crop of premier bowlers who combine skill, adaptability and temperament. Whether it’s flight and guile from spinners or accurate, tactical seam bowling, these ten players have shown that wickets win matches. As the league grows, expect these figures to be challenged—but the standards set so far have raised the bar for bowling in women’s T20 cricket.