3 WPL 2024 teams where Orla Prendergast would have been a great fit ft. UP Warriorz
Orla Prendergast scored an unbeaten 122 off 107, guiding Ireland to a win in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. The hosts chased down a target of 261, thanks to Prendergast's outstanding performance. Her figures of 3-25 played a crucial role in restricting Sri Lanka to 260-8 as Ireland secured a thrilling three-wicket victory at Stormont.
The 22-year-old Irish all-rounder was not a part of any team in the Women's Premier League 2024, though. The 2024 WPL posed challenges for some teams, so integrating an all-rounder like Orla Prendergast could have offered better balance.
Here's why she would have been a great fit in the following WPL 2024 sides.
Three WPL 2024 teams where Orla Prendergast would have been a great fit
#3 Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians struggled with consistent batting support for captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Prendergast’s batting prowess could have offered the much-needed support and balance to their middle order. Her experience and capability to perform under pressure would have been a valuable addition, ensuring better support for the top-order batters.
Despite Mumbai’s bowlers, particularly Natalie Sciver-Brunt, performing well, the team’s overall bowling efforts were at times undermined by batting inconsistencies. Prendergast’s medium-fast bowling would have provided an additional option, helping take the pressure off the main bowlers, providing more flexibility.
#2 Gujarat Giants
Gujarat Giants struggled in 2024, with key batters like Laura Woolvardt and Dayalan Hemalatha not performing consistently.
Beth Mooney, despite having decent outings, couldn't create a larger impact either. Orla Prendergast’s solid batting credentials would have provided stability and middle-order strength to the Gujarat Giants. Her ability to anchor innings and play important roles in tight situations could have helped address the team's batting woes.
While Gujarat's bowlers, Tanuja Kanwar and Ashleigh Gardner, performed efficiently, the lack of support from other bowlers left the team vulnerable. Prendergast’s medium-fast bowling would have offered additional bowling options and depth.
Her ability to take key wickets would have provided better balance and support to Gujarat’s bowling unit.
#1 UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz had issues with their key batters, including captain Alyssa Healy, Grace Harris,and Tahlia McGrath, unable to contribute consistently.
Orla Prendergast’s middle-order batting would have provided the stability they lacked. Her ability to score runs and finish innings could have been a game-changer for a team that faced problems with consistency in the middle order.
Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone performed well with the ball, but UP Warriorz’s pacers struggled throughout the season. Prendergast’s all-round skills would have been an asset, offering both batting and bowling options.
Her bowling would have added variety and depth to the attack, complementing the spinners and potentially strengthening the team’s overall performances.