Introduction
As WPL 2026 approaches, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the performances of two of India's finest talents: Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Both will aim to lead their respective teams to victory, and their statistical performances from previous seasons offer a fascinating comparison.
Current Season Overview
WPL 2026 will commence on January 9 and run until February 5. The tournament will feature 22 exciting matches across two venues: Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, culminating in a final at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium. With defending champions Mumbai Indians facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match, the stage is set for an electrifying season.
Mandhana's Batting Stats
| Matches |
Runs |
Average |
Strike Rate |
| 26 |
646 |
24.84 |
128.68 |
In her 26 WPL matches, Smriti Mandhana has accumulated 646 runs, averaging 24.84 at a strike rate of 128.68. Notably, she has managed to score an impressive 242 runs in seven matches against Delhi Capitals, with an average of 34.57 and a strike rate of 133.70.
Shafali's Batting Stats
| Matches |
Runs |
Average |
Strike Rate |
| 27 |
865 |
36.04 |
162.59 |
Shafali Verma, on the other hand, boasts a remarkable 865 runs from 27 matches, maintaining an average of 36.04 and a striking strike rate of 162.59. This performance highlights her aggressive batting style, which could prove vital for Delhi Capitals this season.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
When examining their performances during winning matches, Mandhana has scored 368 runs at an impressive 33.45 average while her strike rate stands at 135.29. In contrast, Shafali has a formidable record, having scored 716 runs at an average of 51.14 and a strike rate of 178.55 in matches that Delhi Capitals have won.
Winning Performances
| Player |
Winning Matches |
Runs |
Average |
Strike Rate |
| Mandhana |
11 |
368 |
33.45 |
135.29 |
| Shafali |
17 |
716 |
51.14 |
178.55 |
Conclusion
The upcoming WPL 2026 season promises to be thrilling as both Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma aim to outshine each other with their impressive batting skills. Whether you support RCB or DC, keep an eye on these icons of Indian cricket as they set out to make history.