WPL Purple Cap: A Tale of Triumph and Statistics
Hayley Matthews Claims Inaugural Purple Cap
In the debut season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023, the Purple Cap honored the tournament’s top wicket-taker, just like the IPL’s Orange Cap celebrates the highest run-scorer. West Indies ace Hayley Matthews claimed this prestigious award, leading Mumbai Indians to the title.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to win the first-ever WPL Purple Cap. It’s a dream come true to lead Mumbai Indians to the title and be recognized as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker,” Matthews said.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to win the first-ever WPL Purple Cap. It’s a dream come true to lead Mumbai Indians to the title and be recognized as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.”
Hayley Matthews vs. Sophie Ecclestone: A Close Contest
Matthews finished with 16 wickets in 10 matches, closely followed by UP Warriorz’s Sophie Ecclestone, who also has 16 wickets but in just 9 matches. The tiebreaker – economy rate – favored Matthews, who maintained a lower rate of 5.94 compared to Ecclestone’s 6.62.
- Hayley Matthews’ WPL 2023 stats: 16 wickets in 10 matches, economy rate 5.94, average 12.62
- Sophie Ecclestone’s WPL 2023 stats: 16 wickets in 9 matches, economy rate 6.62, average 14.68
Rules and Interesting Twists
WPL Purple Cap rules state: if bowlers have the same wickets, the better economy rate decides the winner. If economy rates are identical, the higher strike rate wins. Matthews’ lower economy rate helped her secure the Purple Cap, but in WPL 2025, she lost it to teammate Amelie Kerr due to having a higher economy rate. In 2024, Indian spinner Shreyanka Patil won with 13 wickets in 8 matches, steering Royal Challenger Bengaluru to the title.
🚀FAQ: How to win the WPL Purple Cap?
- Bowl more overs? No, it’s about wickets and economy rate. Bowl accurately and smartly.
- Play every match? Not necessary. Focus on performances in the matches you play.
- Any tactics for better strike rate? Bowling at the right times, knowing your strengths, and using your field.
💬 Did you know?
Hayley Matthews is the first woman player to take a WPL hat-trick.
🎭Pro Tip: Keep track of your economy rate and wickets throughout the tournament to up your chances of winning the Purple Cap.
🇮🇳 Who is Smriti Mandhana?
Smriti Mandhana is an Indian international cricketer and the current captain of the Royal Challenger Bengaluru team. She is also the vice-captain of the Indian women’s national cricket team.
Learn more about Smriti Mandhana here.
💬 Join the Conversation: Who do you think will win the WPL Purple Cap next season?
Leave a comment below, and share your thoughts on social media using #WPLPurpleCap.