Women's Indian Premier League: Four Proteas stars set to light up for the big time in India

03.03.2023 - 20:03 news24.com

The Women's Indian Premier League (WPL), which starts on Saturday, is set to feature a star-studded Proteas line-up with four South Africans being snapped at the lucrative auction last month.This year's WPL will feature 22 matches and the action scheduled to get under way on Saturday with the Gujarat Giants taking on Mumbai Indians.The tournament comes almost a week after the Women's T20 World Cup, which saw Australia win their sixth title after defeating South Africa in Sunday's final at Newlands.The five teams play each other twice in a round-robin group stage, with the top three progressing to the play-off stage.READ | Wolvaardt, Ismail, Brits soar up ICC T20 rankings after historic World CupThe team that finishes at the top of the log will automatically reach the final, while the second and third-placed teams will have to compete in an eliminator.

The final is set for 26 March. News24 Sport takes a closer look at the South African players involved in the 2023 Women's Premier League: Shabnim Ismail Fast bowler Ismail had a superb T20 World Cup, helping the Proteas defend 13 in the final over during their historic semi-final win against England at Newlands.Ismail was one of three South Africans picked alongside Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt in the Women's T20 World Cup team of the tournament after taking eight wickets.

Opener Wolvaardt was overlooked for the inaugural WPL.Ismail also delivered the fastest ball (128km/h) ever bowled in women's cricket during the semi-final, delivering three maiden overs, with no other bowler producing more than one.

The 34-year-old became the leading wicket-taker in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup, taking 43 wickets in 32 World Cup matches.Ismail was snapped up by the UP

cricket Laura Wolvaardt Chloe Tryon Australia South Africa India

A breathtaking boundary-hitting show after a clinical bowling attack helped Delhi Capitals thrash Mumbai Indians by nine wickets to jump to the top of the table in the Women's Premier League on Monday. South African pacer Marizanne Kapp (2/13) struck twice in two balls early on to help Delhi restrict Mumbai, who were put in to bat, to a meagre 109 for 8. Shikha Pandey and Jess Jonassen also chipped in with two wickets for DC. Chasing a small total, the top three Delhi batters of captain Meg Lanning (32 not out off 22 balls), Shafali Verma (33 off 15 balls) and Alice Capsey (38 not out of 18 balls) competed among themselves in hitting boundaries as their side chased down the target with 66 balls remaining.

MI vs GG, Women's Premier League 2023, Live Score Updates: Gujarat Giants Win Toss, Opt To Bowl vs Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants, Women's Premier League, Live: Gujarat Giants stand-in skipper Sneh Rana won the toss and opted to field against Mumbai Indians in their next Women's Premier League match, at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side have been unbeatable in the tournament so far and have won all their four matches. On the other hand, Gujarat Giants have been able to win only one out of their four matches so far. It will be interesting to see whether Mumbai will be able to clinch another victory or not. (LIVE SCORECARD)

Former captain Dane van Niekerk hints at Proteas retirement after cryptic post

Dane van Niekerk, one of the Proteas' greatest-ever women's cricketers, hinted at retirement from international cricket following a cryptic social media post, while a report suggested the decision has already been made.

Injured Mooney to miss rest of Women's Premier League

Australia opener Beth Mooney will miss the remainder of the Women's Premier League due to a calf injury that will require up to six weeks to heal, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

ICC Announces Women's Player Of Month Nominees For February

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the outstanding performers nominated for the Women's Player of the Month Awards for February 2023, capturing the thrilling action that played out across international cricket during the month. The three nominees for the ICC Women's Player of the Month all enjoyed a memorable ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. Ashleigh Gardner won the award back in December and her inspirational all-round form in February earned her the Player of the Tournament prize as Australia claimed a sixth global T20 crown.

Delhi Capitals Hold Slight Edge Over Royal Challengers Bangalore With Better Domestic Talent

Smriti Mandhana's languid grace will meet its match in Shafali Verma's brute power when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Delhi Capitals in a WPL in Mumbai on Sunday. RCB have prepared a fantastic roster in terms of international recruits, including skipper Mandhana, who is the highest paid player of the league at Rs 3.40 crore. With Ellyse Perry, Heather Knight, Sophie Devine and the marauding Richa Ghosh in their ranks, the team does have a formidable look.