The Delhi Capitals secured a thrilling victory over the UP Warriorz in the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL), with fielding errors from the Warriorz proving costly in the final overs. Cricket legend Mithali Raj, speaking exclusively on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar, highlighted key moments that led to Delhi’s successful chase.
Delhi Capitals Capitalize on UP Warriorz’s Mistakes
Analyzing the final overs, Mithali Raj pointed out how the Warriorz let crucial opportunities slip away. “That was a crucial over. Although Delhi Capitals needed more runs than the number of balls remaining, we saw a few lapses in UP Warriorz’s fielding, which ultimately helped Delhi Capitals chase down the target,” she remarked.
Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp Steady the Ship
Mithali praised Annabel Sutherland’s composure in a tense run chase. “She played a supporting role alongside her skipper, Meg Lanning, especially after Jemimah Rodrigues’ early dismissal. That partnership was critical in stabilizing the innings, and her 40-run stand with Marizanne Kapp was equally vital. It was important for Sutherland to step up and contribute with the bat,” she noted.
On Marizanne Kapp’s all-round performance, Mithali added, “She rightly mentioned at the presentation that as an all-rounder, if you have a tough day with the ball, you always have the opportunity to make an impact with the bat. That’s exactly what she did. With Sutherland well-set at the other end, Kapp found her rhythm, played some excellent shots in front of the wicket, and guided her team to victory.”
Meg Lanning’s Record-Breaking Half-Century
Delhi Capitals’ skipper Meg Lanning continued her dominance in the WPL, recording yet another half-century. Mithali Raj acknowledged her adaptability, saying, “It’s no surprise that she has accumulated the most runs and half-centuries, but today’s innings was quite different. She played a lot straighter in front of the wicket, showing her signature drives. While her strengths have traditionally been behind the wicket, today we saw more shots over mid-off and mid-wicket, which is a positive sign for Delhi Capitals.”
Mithali also noted Lanning’s tactical approach: “Whenever a new bowler came on, Lanning consistently dispatched the first few deliveries for boundaries. That approach helped her build confidence throughout the innings.”
Lanning and Shafali’s Improved Partnership
Reflecting on the opening stand between Lanning and Shafali Verma, Mithali emphasized their intent to keep the scoreboard ticking. “The key difference in their partnership today was their ability to maintain momentum. After every boundary, they followed up with another boundary or a quick single, preventing pressure from building up. Both players ensured a steady flow of runs, which made a significant difference,” she said.
Rivalry Week in Bengaluru Set to Intensify the WPL Race
Looking ahead to the highly anticipated rivalry week in Bengaluru, Mithali highlighted the significance of the upcoming Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) vs Mumbai Indians (MI) clash. “The decibel levels will touch the roof. It’s a crucial game because if MI wins, all three teams will be on four points, making the tournament even more exciting. RCB is in form, MI is catching up—it’s going to be an interesting contest,” she predicted.
