Harmanpreet Attributes Improved Domestic Strike Rates to WPL
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Synopsis
As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) starts its third season, Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur highlights the tournament's impact on enhancing the strike rates of batters in the ongoing 2024/25 domestic season. The competition encourages players to elevate their game, aiming for improved performance.
Key Takeaways
- WPL significantly boosts strike rates of batters.
- Off-season camps enhance players' skills and fitness.
- Domestic matches showcase improved attacking play.
- Successful record chase in women's List A cricket.
- MI starts 2025 season against Delhi Capitals.
New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) As the third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) approaches, Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur asserts that the five-team tournament has significantly contributed to the enhanced strike rates of all batters in the current 2024/25 domestic season.
With the five teams preparing for a fresh WPL season taking place from February 14 to March 15, the backdrop includes a domestic season where batters have been more expressive at the crease, resulting in a noticeable increase in attacking strokeplay.
The franchises of WPL have also been conducting off-season and pre-season camps for Indian players, focusing primarily on improving the players’ skill sets, along with their fitness and nutrition.
“One thing was very clear - in our domestic cricket this season, the strike rates of all batters have improved significantly. That (WPL) was the main reason. There were over 300 runs scored in domestic matches, and everyone was batting with a commendable approach. I believe the domestic cricketers realized that to compete in this tournament, they must diligently work on their strike rates and power-hitting skills,” Harmanpreet stated.
Harmanpreet’s assertion is further highlighted by the Senior Women's One-Day Trophy quarter-final between Bengal and Haryana in Rajkot. In that match, Shafali Verma recorded a remarkable 197 runs off 115 balls for Haryana, but Bengal successfully chased the target with five wickets remaining and five balls to go.
Tanusree Sarkar spearheaded Bengal’s chase with 113 runs off 83 balls, joined by Priyanka Bala, Dhara Gujjar, and Sasthi Mondal, all contributing half-centuries, helping Bengal set a record for the highest successful chase in women's List A cricket.
“The influence of WPL on batters’ strike rates is evident in our domestic cricket, and that’s a major positive we’ve taken from it. Our cricketers are committed to enhancing their power-hitting and fielding skills, which is commendable,” Harmanpreet added.
The Mumbai Indians, champions of WPL 2023, will kick off their 2025 season against the Delhi Capitals at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on February 15. Following Vadodara, MI will play in Bengaluru, Lucknow, and their home venue in Mumbai.
