All-Time Leading Wicket-Takers in Women’s Premier League

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has revolutionized women’s T20 cricket since its inception in 2023. With global stars and local talent competing in India’s premier franchise tournament, the WPL has quickly become one of the most competitive domestic T20 leagues in women’s cricket.

While batters often grab headlines with explosive innings, bowlers play an equally vital role — controlling the middle overs, breaking partnerships, and often being the difference between victory and defeat.

Among bowlers, a select group has stood out over the seasons, consistently delivering breakthroughs and topping wicket charts. This article explores the all-time leading wicket-takers in WPL history up to the 2026 season, profiling the bowlers who have made their mark in this exciting competition.

WPL Bowling Leaders – Setting the Stage

The bowling charts in the WPL are dominated by a mix of elite international stars and experienced domestic talents. These bowlers have excelled in various conditions — from seam-friendly pitches to slow turners — showcasing not just talent, but adaptability, skill, and consistency.

Here’s a snapshot of the top wicket-takers in WPL history (combined across seasons 2023–2026):

Rank	Player	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Team(s)
1	Amelia Kerr	35	52	5/38	Mumbai Indians Women
2	Hayley Matthews	33	46	3/5	Mumbai Indians Women
3	Sophie Ecclestone	32	42	4/13	UP Warriorz Women
4	Nat Sciver-Brunt	35	39	3/18	Mumbai Indians Women
5	Shikha Pandey	34	36	3/23	Delhi Capitals / UP Warriorz
6	Jess Jonassen	24	33	4/31	Delhi Capitals Women
7	Marizanne Kapp	31	35	5/15	Delhi Capitals Women
8	Deepti Sharma	32	32	4/19	UP Warriorz Women
9	Shreyanka Patil	23	30	5/23	Royal Challengers Bengaluru
10	Ashleigh Gardner	32	30	3/31	Gujarat Giants Women

These figures capture both the depth and breadth of bowling excellence in WPL history. From spin wizards to pace artillery, these players have consistently delivered crucial wickets season after season.

Amelia Kerr – The WPL’s Most Prolific Wicket-Taker

At the top of the all-time list stands Amelia Kerr of the Mumbai Indians Women. The New Zealand international has been a force with the ball throughout WPL seasons. Known for her smart medium-pace variations and tactical acumen, Kerr combines control with wicket-taking ability — a rare blend in T20 cricket.

In her WPL career to date, Kerr has taken 50 wickets in 34 matches, including a remarkable five-wicket haul (5/38) — an achievement that underscores her match-turning capabilities. Her strike bowling often breaks critical partnerships, and she has repeatedly delivered in high-tension situations.

Kerr’s journey from a promising young all-rounder to a standout wicket-taker highlights her evolution as a bowler capable of leading both with the ball and as a middle-order batter when needed.

Hayley Matthews – Mumbai’s Match-Winner

Just behind Kerr is Hayley Matthews, another vital cog in the Mumbai Indians bowling attack. The West Indies star combines off-spin variety with sharp tactical bowling, posing constant threats to batters. Across seasons, Matthews has picked up 43 wickets in 32 matches, with a best of 3/5 — a testament to her ability to dominate even in short spells.

Unlike bowlers who thrive on pace alone, Matthews uses flight, spin, and sharp changes of pace to deceive batters — especially in middle overs where run pressure is high. Her contributions are not confined to bowling; as a genuine all-rounder, she’s influenced outcomes with both bat and ball.

Sophie Ecclestone – Spin Mastery for UP Warriorz

England’s Sophie Ecclestone ranks third on the all-time wicket list. A left-arm orthodox spinner, Ecclestone has carved out a reputation as a relentless wicket-taker with subtle variations and immaculate control.

With 42 wickets in 31 matches, she has consistently troubled top batters and often extracted crucial breakthroughs when needed most. Her ability to bowl dot balls and build pressure makes her a critical weapon for the UP Warriorz Women.

Her best bowling figures of 4/13 showcase her ability to dominate attacks and stifle scoring even on batting-friendly wickets — a true mark of elite spin bowling.

Nat Sciver-Brunt – Seam and Spin Versatility

While Nat Sciver-Brunt is often celebrated for her batting heroics — including the first century in WPL history — she’s also a vital wicket-taker with the ball. The England all-rounder has chipped in with 39 wickets in 33 matches, demonstrating tremendous value as a flexible bowling option for Mumbai Indians Women.

Sciver-Brunt’s medium-pace bowling is ideal for controlling the run rate and teasing out edges in the powerplay overs, making her a dual threat in any format.

Shikha Pandey – India’s Experienced Strike Bowler

One of the most experienced Indian bowlers in the WPL, Shikha Pandey has been a consistent performer for both Delhi Capitals Women and UP Warriorz Women. With 35 wickets in 33 matches, she blends experience with precision, often bowling tight spells to choke run flow or break partnerships with well-timed deliveries.

Pandey’s career highlights include multiple crucial spells where her control and clever variations have tilted matches in her team’s favor.

Jess Jonassen – The Australian Spin Specialist

Australian left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen has been another standout performer. Jonassen’s ability to extract spin and variation consistently has earned her 33 wickets in 24 matches in the league. Her best figures of 4/31 reflect her match impact, often delivering breakthroughs in congested middle overs.

Jonassen’s performances underscore the value of quality spin bowling in T20 cricket, especially in subcontinent conditions that often favor turn.

Marizanne Kapp & Deepti Sharma – All-Round Spin Excellence

Both Marizanne Kapp (South Africa) and Deepti Sharma (India) bring tactical depth with their spin bowling. Kapp is known for her aggressive lines and variations, while Deepti’s classical off-spin and guile often generate progress-breaking dismissals. Together they’ve taken over 65 wickets in WPL history — Kapp with 31 and Deepti with 31 in around 30 matches each.

Their all-round skills underline how modern T20 bowling demands both economy and strike capability.

Shreyanka Patil and Ashleigh Gardner – Rising Stars

Emerging talents like Shreyanka Patil and seasoned performers like Ashleigh Gardner illustrate how the WPL nurtures both upcoming stars and established internationals. Patil’s best figures of 5/23 and Gardner’s consistent wicket-taking record demonstrate the depth and diversity of bowling forces in the league.

Patil’s rise, in particular, highlights how domestic players can seize opportunities and make an immediate impact.

Trends and Insights from the Bowling Charts

International Dominance

International stars like Amelia Kerr, Sophie Ecclestone, and Hayley Matthews dominate the list, reflecting how global talent elevates the WPL’s competitive standards.

Spin’s Growing Impact

Spin bowling has emerged as a cornerstone of success in the WPL, with several top wicket-takers being spinners — including Ecclestone, Jonassen, Deepti Sharma, and Kapp.

All-Round Contributions

Players like Sciver-Brunt, Gardner, and Matthews illustrate the value of all-rounders who can influence games with both bat and ball.

Local Talent Making Waves

Indian bowlers like Shikha Pandey and Shreyanka Patil have been critical for their teams, proving that domestic talent is thriving alongside international stars.

Conclusion

The Women’s Premier League has quickly established itself as a showcase for elite bowling talent in women’s cricket. From Amelia Kerr’s standout wicket-taking exploits to the consistent match-winning performances of Hayley Matthews, Sophie Ecclestone, and others, the league’s bowling story is rich with skill, excitement, and drama.

As WPL continues to grow, these bowlers — and the new generation rising behind them — will play a pivotal role in shaping the tournament’s legacy. Their achievements on the bowling front are not just statistical accomplishments but reflections of the competitive spirit and evolving landscape of women’s cricket.

Whether it’s a fiery new ball spell, a crafty spin attack in the middle overs, or a clutch performance in the death overs, these leading wicket-takers have made their mark — and the WPL bowling charts will continue to be a highlight of every season.

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