How has WPL been so far
As the dust settles on the Bengaluru leg of the WPL 2024, cricket enthusiasts find themselves amidst a tapestry of narratives, statistical revelations, and gripping on-field moments. This phase of the tournament has not only showcased the prowess of players but has also set the stage for intense battles in the upcoming fixtures. Let’s embark on a comprehensive journey through the twists and turns of the Bengaluru leg.
Unsettled Giants and RCB’s Resurgence
The saga of the Gujarat Giants, the marquee spenders at the auction, continues to unfold in an unexpected manner. After four games, they find themselves in the unenviable position of being winless, desperately needing a change in fortunes as they head to Delhi. The spotlight is firmly on their captain, Beth Mooney, who has struggled to find her form. The constant shuffling of opening combinations reflects a sense of confusion within the Giants’ camp.
Contrasting this predicament is the rejuvenation of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Unlike their forgettable start in 2023 with five consecutive losses, RCB has turned the tide, securing three wins and inching closer to playoff contention. Smriti Mandhana‘s remarkable form has been a catalyst in this resurgence. After a season without a half-century, Mandhana now tops the charts with 219 runs at a striking rate of 154.22, including a match-winning 80 off 50 balls in the recent clash.
The Saga of Low Scores and Bowler Dominance
Bengaluru, traditionally known for its batting-friendly tracks, has surprised cricket aficionados with its bowler-friendly pitches in WPL 2024. Unlike Mumbai last season, where scores of 200 or more were achieved four times in the first six games, Bengaluru has witnessed a decline in high-scoring encounters. The highest score, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 198, signifies a departure from the boundary-laden spectacles of the past.
The surfaces at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium have added an extra layer of complexity to the games. The central wicket has offered swing and bounce, while the left-most surface, used in three games, has provided grip and turn. This shift has brought the bowlers into play, creating a more balanced and intriguing contest between bat and ball.
Boundary Drought but Half-Century Flourish
In contrast to the boundary-laden extravaganzas of the previous season, the Bengaluru leg has seen a decline in boundary frequency. The total number of boundaries (fours and sixes) at the halfway mark stands at 1980, accounting for 63.62% of the total runs, compared to 2210 boundaries in WPL 2023 at the same stage. The balls-per-boundary ratio has risen from 4.67 to 5.50, reflecting the challenging conditions for batsmen.
However, amidst the boundary drought, the frequency of 50-plus scores has remained consistent. In WPL 2023, there were 31 half-centuries at the halfway mark, and this season has witnessed 16 such scores. A notable uptick is observed in Indian batters, contributing nine half-centuries compared to the eight they managed throughout the entire WPL 2023.
Left-Arm Spin Dominance
A fascinating subplot of the Bengaluru leg has been the dominance of left-arm spinners. Players like Sophie Molineux, Jess Jonassen, Radha Yadav, Sophie Ecclestone, and Tanuja Kanwar have thrived on the spin-friendly pitches, collectively picking up wickets in abundance. Radha and Ecclestone lead the charts with seven wickets each, while Kanwar and Jonassen closely follow with six scalps apiece.
Radha’s comeback trail, Kanwar’s emergence as a bright prospect for the Giants, and Jonassen’s impactful performances after a delayed start underscore the significance of left-arm spin in shaping the outcomes of matches in WPL 2024.
The Road Ahead to Delhi
As the caravan of WPL 2024 moves to Delhi for the next phase, the teams are poised for fresh challenges and opportunities. For the struggling Giants, every game becomes a do-or-die situation, with a playoff berth hanging in the balance. RCB, on the other hand, seeks to maintain its newfound momentum and solidify its standing in the points table.
