WPL 2024: 5 auction picks that turned out to be masterstrokes for teams

Sophie Molineux. (Photo Source: WPL)

Almost a month of scintillating cricketing action has come to a most fitting conclusion. Gujarat Giants (GG) were knocked out early, UP Warriorz (UPW) also missed out on the playoffs, the defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) lost the Eliminator, Delhi Capitals (DC) had another dominant campaign but ended without a taste of victory and finally, above all, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clinched their maiden title.

While Orange Cap winner Ellyse Perry, Purple Cap holder Shreyanka Patil and Player of the Tournament Deepit Sharma grabbed the limelight throughout the series, there were many others who set the mega stage on fire with their spirited performances. Some franchises have struck gold with their new acquisitions in the 2024 mini-auction.

Here are the five auction picks that turned out to be masterstrokes for WPL 2024 teams 

5. Sabbhineni Meghana (RCB)

Andhra Pradesh cricketer S Meghna joined the RCB camp for a base price of Rs 30 lakh. She had a decent campaign with the blockbuster franchise, scoring 168 runs from 6 innings at an impressive average of 33.60 and a strike rate of 112.75.

Her 44-ball 53 was crucial in RCB’s first win of the season against UPW, setting the stage for their impressive run for the remainder of the tournament. Although Meghana hasn’t done any outstanding this season, she has proved to be a valuable asset to the team in the years to come.

4. Georgia Wareham (RCB)

Australian all-rounder Georgia Wareham was one of the key contributors to RCB’s successful campaign. Wareham, who was brought on board for a base price of Rs 40 lakh, has made some impactful cameos in the batting and bowling department.

She chipped in with seven wickets in 10 matches and at economy of 8.24 and also scored 111 runs at a healthy strike rate in the lower-middle order. Her highest score was against GG – 48 off just 22 balls – but unfortunately, her valiant knock went in vain as RCB lost the match by 19 runs. Wareham was also one of the best fielders in the tournament, and her sensational fielding effort, emulating AB de Villiers’s acrobatic catch in the 2018 IPL, was simply outstanding.

3. Sajeevan Sajana (MI)

Sajeevan Sajana registered her name in the auction for a base price of Rs 10 lakh but fetched Rs 5 lakh more from MI. She proved her worth in the very first match of the tournament by winning the game from an impossible situation against DC. Needing six off the last ball, MI had no hope as they had a new batter at the crease. However, Sajana kept her composure and dispatched her very first ball in the WPL into the Chinnaswamy stands.

The Kerala-born cricketer has scored 87 runs from 6 innings at an average of 29 and a staggering strike rate of 158 – the second-best this season. Sajana also picked up two wickets in the limited opportunities she got. Moreover, she also grabbed the prize for the best catch of the tournament.

2. Shabnim Ismail (MI)

The all-time highest wicket-taker for South Africa was signed by MI for a whopping sum of ₹1.2 crore – the fourth expensive player in the 2024 WPL. However, she managed to justify the price tag with her excellent performance.

The right-arm pacer has donned the blue jersey in seven matches contributing her share with seven wickets at an average of 21.62. Her economy of 6.18 is the second-best in the tournament. Ismail’s best performance came against GG where she took three wickets for just 18 runs. Notably, the Proteas cricketer also set the record for the fastest delivery in the history of women’s cricket – 132.1 Kmph in MI’s group game vs DC.

1. Sophie Molineux (RCB)

W,0,W,W,0,1 – It was this magical over by Sophie Molineux that helped the RCB franchise end their 16-year title drought. Batting first in the final, DC raced to 64/0 in just 7 overs and looked like they would run away with the game. However, the Aussie off-spinner turned the tide in RCB’s favour by sending three of their top performers back to the pavilion in no time.

Molineux was acquired for a base price of ₹30 lakh but she proved to be worth many times that. With 12 wickets from 10 matches at an average of 23.17 and an economy of 7.32, the 26-year-old played a significant role in RCB’s success.

Also Check: 5 deserving players who did not get a single game in WPL 2024