WPL weekly star tracker (June 26): Harman's Euro trip, Women's Ashes, Kerr getting honoured

Get ready, Paltan, for another exciting weekly roundup featuring our favorite WPL stars! From the unstoppable MumbaiKerr to the dynamic duo of Hayley and Harman, and the stellar performances by NSB, Issy, and Heather, this star-studded read is not to be missed. 

A double delight for our MumbaiKerr

Aapli Melie Kerr has added yet another sparkling feather to her already dazzling cap as she clinches the highly prestigious CPA Players' Award for the second consecutive year, further solidifying her status as the ultimate White Ferns superstar. This sought-after accolade celebrates the most outstanding White Ferns performer over 12 months, and if not Kerr then Kaun?!

Melie, the unstoppable force of the White Ferns, in the realm of One-Day Internationals, has amassed a staggering 1362 runs and snatched an impressive 77 wickets in just 59 matches. Her remarkable feats include an unbeaten score of 232* and a brilliant bowling record of 5/17. In 59 Twenty20 Internationals, Melie's bat has been on fire, propelling her to a notable tally of 657 runs, accompanied by 58 crucial wickets. These astounding numbers have not only earned her prestigious award wins but also secured her a well-deserved spot in the 2023-24 central contract list.

Nat shines as Beaumont owns Women's Ashes Test - 

After a long wait of 356 days, women's Test match cricket made a comeback! The ongoing One-Off Women's Test at Trent Bridge brought back the excitement of a five-day game after a whopping 30 years of anticipation. Our champion, Nat Sciver-Brunt, donning the iconic three Lions white kit, was a sight to behold. She displayed her versatility, adding an impressive 78 runs to her Test tally in just 111 balls. Talk about consistency, Nat defines it like no other!

Nat's 78 added pressure to Australia after their mammoth 1st innings total of 473, courtesy, Annabel Sutherland's maiden Test century! England in response witnessed Tammy Beaumont craft a magnificent 208, ensuring that England remained well in the game.

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Australia A vs England A, ft. Heather Graham and Issy Wong

Alongside the Women's Ashes, the ongoing 'A' series showcases the talent of our very own Heather Graham, who has been shining under the spotlight! Despite Australia 'A' not securing a victory in the two T20 matches at Haslegrave Ground, Loughborough, Heather showcased her prowess. In the opening game, she claimed the prized wickets of Lauren Winfield-Hill and Alice Davison-Richards. Heather with an impressive 50(36) and a blazing 43(27), top-scored for Australia A on both occasions.

Our hat-trick hero, Issy Wong, didn't make the cut for England's Test XI, but she made her presence felt in the 2nd T20 match featuring for England 'A'. Wong sent down a couple of overs, conceding 16 runs, and is just warming up to shine in the upcoming W-Ashes games.

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Harmanpreet Kaur's Europe diaries

Aapli Kaptaan Kaur is all set for another action-packed international season, and guess what? She's currently exploring the beautiful lands of Germany! After having a great time in the land of poets, she's now made her way to Amsterdam, and we're absolutely loving every bit of Harmanpreet's Europe diaries! The wait isn't long to see Harmanpreet Kaur back on the field, as India's tour of Bangladesh is just around the corner.

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Matthews' magic in Maroon is upon us

Our MVP, Hayley Matthews is all set for the Windies' home international season of cricket that gets underway on the 26th of June, 2023, with the Women in Maroon playing Ireland in 3 ODIs and as many T20Is. What makes this series even more special is that it will be the first-ever women's series to be telecasted in the Caribbean. To the news, Hayley reacted, "It's a huge step for us in the West Indies. It means a lot to us that CWI is implementing this investment to improve the coverage."