Key Takeaway:
Sobhana Asha's historic five-wicket haul for Royal Challengers Bangalore Women in WPL 2024 marks the first instance of an Indian bowler achieving this feat, elevating her to the second-best bowling figures in WPL history.
In the second game at the WPL 2024, while Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCB) beat UP Warriorz Women (UPW) by two runs in a final-over thriller, RCB star Sobhana Asha created history by becoming the first Indian bowler to record a five-wicket haul in WPL history.
With the help of Sabbhineni Meghana (53) and Richa Ghosh (62) 50+ knocks, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women scored 157/8 (20 overs) in the first innings after losing the toss.
Although Warriorz were once in a good position with 32 runs needed from 24 balls with seven wickets in hand, the 32-year-old leg-spinner Sobhana Asha’s incredible bowling performance ultimately secured a thrilling victory for the RCB Women.
In the 17th over of the second innings, Asha changed the game's momentum by taking three wickets in an over, including dismissing two set batters Shweta Sehrawat (31) and Grace Harris (38). Earlier, Asha also took the wickets of the opener Dinesh Vrinda (18) and the no.3 batter Tahlia McGrath (22).
Asha finished the game with the bowling figures 4-0-22-5. Warriorz scored 155/8 in 20 overs as RCB Women won their tournament opener by two runs.
Indian cricketer Sobhana Asha created WPL history with her five-wicket haul
By picking up five wickets, Sobhana Asha became the first Indian bowler to record a five-wicket haul in WPL history. Moreover, it was the first three-wicket haul in the WPL 2024.
The previous WPL best bowling figures recorded by an Indian was 4/11 by Saika Ishaque of Mumbai Indians Women against Gujarat Gants Women during the WPL 2023.
Meanwhile, Asha’s latest 5/22 became the second-best bowling figures in WPL history. Only South African cricketer Marizanne Kapp (5/15) has better WPL bowling figures than Asha.
While Asha became the fourth bowler to record a five-wicket haul in WPL history, she also became the first spinner to achieve this record.
Best bowling figures in WPL history (Top 4)
Player (Team) | Bowling figures | Opposition | Venue | Date |
Marizanne Kapp (Delhi Capitals Women) | 4-0-15-5 | Gujarat Gants Women | DY Patil | 11 March 2023 |
Sobhana Asha (Royal Challengers Bangalore Women) | 4-0-22-5 | UP Warriorz Women | Bengaluru | 24 February 2024 |
Tara Norris (Delhi Capitals Women) | 4-0-29-5 | Royal Challengers Bangalore Women | Brabourne | 5 March 2023 |
Kim Garth (Gujarat Giants Women) | 4-0-36-5 | UP Warriorz Women | DY Patil | 5 March 2023 |
(Updated as of 24 February 2024)
Best bowling figures by Indians in WPL history (Top 4)
Player (Team) | Bowling figures | Opposition | Venue | Date |
Sobhana Asha (Royal Challengers Bangalore Women) | 4-0-22-5 | UP Warriorz Women | Bengaluru | 24 February 2024 |
Saika Ishaque (Mumbai Indians Women) | 3.1-1-11-4 | Gujarat Gants Women | DY Patil | 4 March 2023 |
Saika Ishaque (Mumbai Indians Women) | 3-0-13-3 | Delhi Capitals Women | DY Patil | 9 March 2023 |
Shikha Pandey (Delhi Capitals Women) | 4-0-23-3 | Royal Challengers Bangalore Women | DY Patil | 13 March 2023 |
(Updated as of 24 February 2024)
