The Orange Cap and Purple Cap races in WPL 2026 have seen major movement after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory over UP Warriorz on Thursday, reshuffling both the leading run-scorers and wicket-takers as the tournament heads into its decisive phase.
In the bowling charts, Nadine de Klerk has surged to the top of the Purple Cap standings. She overtook Sophie Devine after claiming a four-wicket haul that helped RCB book a direct place in the final. Devine had earlier reached the summit following her own four-for against Delhi Capitals, becoming the first bowler this season to reach 15 wickets. De Klerk now shares that tally, but edges ahead thanks to a superior economy rate of 7.25 compared to Devine’s 8.28, along with a slightly better average.
Delhi Capitals’ Nandani Sharma, who has led the table at different stages this season, has slipped to third with 14 wickets. She is followed closely by Lauren Bell of RCB, Mumbai Indians’ Amelia Kerr, and DC’s N Shree Charani, all tied on 12 scalps.
On the batting front, Nat Sciver-Brunt remains firmly in control of the Orange Cap race. Last season’s winner continues to dominate with 319 runs from six innings, including the only century recorded in WPL history so far.
However, there has been a change just below her. Smriti Mandhana has climbed to second place after her unbeaten 54 against UPW lifted her tally to 290 runs from eight innings. Harmanpreet Kaur, who previously held that position, now sits third with 260 from seven outings. UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning occupies fourth with 248 runs, while Phoebe Litchfield rounds out the top five despite leaving the tournament injured after scoring 243 in six innings.
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