By Delhi Capitals Secure Final Spot with Convincing Win Over Gujarat Giants
A dominant display from Delhi Capitals saw them conclude the league stage of WPL 2024 with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants, securing a direct entry into the final. Marizanne Kapp, Minnu Mani, and Shikha Pandey starred with the ball as the Giants were restricted to 126. The Capitals then chased down the target in just 13.1 overs, thanks to Shafali Verma’s explosive 71 and Jemimah Rodrigues’s unbeaten 38.
With this win, the Capitals finished as the top team on the points table, winning six out of their eight matches. On the other hand, the Giants, with only two victories, finished at the bottom of the table for the second consecutive season.
Giants’ Batting Collapse and Fulmali’s Resistance
Gujarat Giants, heavily reliant on Beth Mooney and Laura Wolvaardt for runs, suffered an early collapse as both openers fell cheaply. Kapp and Mani made early inroads, leaving the Giants struggling at 16/3. Despite a middle-order collapse, Bharati Fulmali’s gritty 42 and a vital partnership with Kathryn Bryce helped the Giants reach 126.
DC’s Commanding Chase
In response, Delhi Capitals got off to a flying start, with Verma and Meg Lanning taking charge in the powerplay. Although Lanning was run out, Verma continued her assault, smashing boundaries at will. Rodrigues provided valuable support as the Capitals cruised to victory.
Verma’s Explosive Knock and Rodrigues’s Support
Verma’s 71 off 37 balls, including 7 fours and 5 sixes, was the highlight of the chase. She took on the Giants’ bowlers, especially targeting Ashleigh Gardner, who conceded 28 runs in two overs. Rodrigues played a steady innings, ensuring there were no hiccups in the chase.
With this win, Delhi Capitals look strong heading into the final, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Brief Scores: Gujarat Giants 126/9 in 20 overs (Bharati Fulmali 42, Kathryn Bryce 28; Minnu Mani 2-9, Marizanne Kapp 2-17) lost to Delhi Capitals 129/3 in 13.1 overs (Shafali Verma 71, Jemimah Rodrigues 38*; Tanuja Kanwar 2-20) by 7 wickets.
