The two-time runners-up Delhi Capitals led by skipper Meg Lanning have once again proved their mettle in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), moving to the top of the points table after a comprehensive win over the Gujarat Giants (as of February 25). The match, which saw several crucial performances, has been captured in the latest episode of the “Dressing Room Diaries.” Here’s a look at what went down in Bengaluru.
In the dressing room, assistant coach Hemalata Kala shared an anecdote about Shikha Pandey’s motivational quote that resonated with the team, “The one who wins after losing is called a winner (haar ke jeetne wale ko baazigar kehte hai).” This mantra, Hemalata felt, encapsulated the spirit of Delhi Capitals, who fought back strongly in the match.
Jemimah Rodrigues further elaborated that Shikha’s words emphasized the team’s ability to come back from setbacks, embodying the true essence of champions. The match was marked by outstanding performances from several Delhi Capitals players.
The inspirational powerplay spells from Marizanne Kapp and Shikha Pandey displayed an exhibition of powerplay bowling on a track that offered a bit of assistance to the pacers. Those spells decimated the Giants’ top order, leaving them reeling at 60/6. Marizanne Kapp’s figures of 4-1-17-2 were particularly impressive, while Shikha Pandey picked up two wickets as well.
A surprising promotion to bat at number three, Jess Jonassen scored a match-winning 61* off just 32 balls. Her all-round performance also included picking up a wicket and earning her the Player of the Match award. Shafali Verma played a critical role with 44 off 27 balls, combining with Jess Jonassen to form a decisive 74-run partnership for the second wicket.
Despite the overwhelming start, the Giants showed resilience. Bharti Fulmali, with her unbeaten 40 off 29 balls, led the fightback, partnering with Tanuja Kanwer to add 51 crucial runs for the seventh wicket. However, their efforts were not enough to deny the Capitals a comfortable win. In a lighter moment, Marizanne Kapp presented Jess Jonassen with the special “Capitals Tiger” award, a gesture acknowledging Jonassen’s standout performance.
As Delhi Capitals rise to the top of the WPL table with three wins from five matches, their latest victory against the Gujarat Giants highlights the team’s resilience and tactical brilliance.
From Shikha’s motivational couplet to the surprise batting promotion of Jess Jonassen, the Capitals demonstrated why the two-time runners-up are strong contenders for championship title yet again. With the team’s spirit and performances firing on all cylinders, fans can expect more exciting matches as the tournament unfolds.
(Quotes sourced from video posted by DelhiCapitals on X)
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