Since its launch in 2023, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has rapidly transformed the landscape of women’s cricket.
Designed as a high-intensity, franchise-based tournament on the lines of elite men’s leagues, the WPL has not only elevated standards but also provided a global platform for the best women cricketers to test themselves under pressure. Across its short but impactful history, the league has produced memorable contests, breakout stars, and, crucially, bowlers who have consistently influenced games.
In T20 cricket, wicket-taking remains the most valuable currency. While run control is important, teams that strike regularly tend to dictate matches. The bowlers featured in this list have done exactly that. Through skill, adaptability, and consistency, they have emerged as the leading wicket-takers in WPL history so far, showcasing a variety of bowling styles and match-winning attributes.
1. Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians Women)
41 wickets in 29 matches | Best: 3/5 | Economy: 7.24
Topping the list is Barbados all-rounder Hayley Matthews, whose impact with the ball has been as significant as her contributions with the bat. A right-arm off-spinner, Matthews has thrived in the middle overs, using subtle variations in flight, pace, and bounce to outthink batters.
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What sets Matthews apart is her tactical awareness. She bowls a probing length, invites batters to take risks, and then capitalises on mistakes. Her straighter deliveries, delivered with minimal change in action, have often beaten batters in flight or hurried them into miscued shots. On surfaces offering even modest assistance, Matthews becomes a genuine wicket-taking threat, which explains her position at the top of the WPL charts.
2. Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians Women)
40 wickets in 29 matches | Best: 5/38 | Economy: 7.64
Close behind is New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, one of the finest wrist spinners in the modern women’s game. Kerr’s success in the WPL has been built on control and courage. Bowling quicker through the air, she forces batters to make early decisions, often resulting in mistimed strokes.
Kerr’s accuracy allows her to attack constantly, even on flat pitches. Unlike traditional wrist spinners who rely heavily on turn, Kerr uses trajectory, subtle changes in pace, and sharp drop to great effect. Her five-wicket haul stands as one of the standout bowling performances in WPL history and underlines her ability to run through strong batting line-ups.
3. Sophie Ecclestone (Uttar Pradesh Warriorz Women)
36 wickets in 25 matches | Best: 4/13 | Economy: 6.68
Few bowlers in world cricket exert control like Sophie Ecclestone, and her WPL numbers reflect that dominance. The England left-arm spinner has been a consistent match-winner, particularly in high-pressure situations. With an exceptional economy rate, Ecclestone combines wicket-taking ability with relentless run containment.
Her strength lies in her variations. She can fire the ball in flatter when defending or give it extra flight to tempt batters when attacking. Her ability to bowl long, economical spells has often stalled oppositions, creating pressure that leads to wickets at the other end. Ecclestone’s knack for breaking partnerships has made her indispensable to the Warriorz.
4. Jessica Jonassen (Delhi Capitals Women)
33 wickets in 24 matches | Best: 4/31 | Economy: 7.74
Australia’s Jessica Jonassen has been a model of consistency in the WPL. A slow left-arm orthodox spinner, Jonassen thrives on discipline and precision. She has been particularly effective in the powerplay, where her control and subtle movement off the pitch restrict scoring options.
Jonassen’s ability to land the ball in challenging areas forces batters into low-percentage shots. She has also shown the versatility to pick up wickets at the death, using straighter deliveries that skid on after pitching. Her performances underline the value of control-based spin bowling in the T20 format.
5. Natalie Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians Women)
32 wickets in 29 matches | Best: 3/18 | Economy: 7.66
Rounding off the list is England all-rounder Natalie Sciver-Brunt, whose impact goes well beyond raw numbers. A right-arm medium pacer, Sciver-Brunt has consistently delivered key breakthroughs by adjusting her length to conditions and match situations.
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Her ability to extract bounce and move the ball both ways has troubled top-order batters, while her calm execution under pressure makes her a captain’s go-to option. For Mumbai Indians Women, she has been a vital cog, contributing with both bat and ball and reinforcing her reputation as one of the most complete all-rounders in the game.
The WPL’s top wicket-takers reflect the league’s competitive depth and tactical evolution. From off-spin and wrist spin to left-arm orthodox and medium pace, these bowlers have shaped matches through intelligence, skill, and adaptability. As the WPL continues to grow, these benchmarks will be challenged, but the impact of these five bowlers will remain foundational in defining the league’s early legacy.
