Delhi Capitals will look to build on the momentum of their statement win over table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru when they take on Gujarat Giants on Tuesday, with the Women’s Premier League entering its decisive phase.
DC, the most consistent side in WPL history after reaching all three finals so far, finally broke through against RCB in their previous outing, handing Smriti Mandhana’s side their first defeat of the season. The comprehensive seven-wicket victory lifted Jemimah Rodrigues’ team to second place on the points table and firmly back into playoff contention.
After a sluggish start to the season, Delhi have found their rhythm, thanks largely to their bowling unit. While South African openers Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee have provided stability at the top, Shafali Verma’s inconsistency remains a concern. The explosive opener has just one half-century so far, and DC will hope for a more collective effort from the top order as the stakes rise.
Captain Jemimah, leading the side for the first time, has impressed with her leadership despite enduring a lean run with the bat. Apart from a lone fifty against Mumbai Indians, she is yet to convert her starts and will be keen to rediscover form at a crucial juncture.
Delhi’s bowling, however, has been their biggest strength. Their effort against RCB — restricting a powerful batting lineup to just over 100, underlined the depth at Jemimah’s disposal. Young pacer Nandani Sharma, seasoned all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and left-arm spinner Shree Charani were particularly impressive, with Charani emerging as a key containment option through the middle overs.
Charani, though, will be wary of Gujarat Giants, who had taken her for 42 runs earlier this season while posting a 200-plus total in a thrilling four-run win over DC at Navi Mumbai.
Gujarat Giants enter the contest placed third, level on points with Delhi but behind on net run rate. Despite boasting a formidable batting lineup, inconsistency has limited them to three wins from six matches.
New Zealand opener Sophie Devine will be central to GG’s hopes. After smashing a brilliant 95 against DC earlier in the season, she went through a rough patch before returning to form with an unbeaten half-century against UP Warriorz. Her all-round contributions, especially with the ball, make her a crucial X-factor.
GG will also be hoping for improved returns from Australian veteran Beth Mooney and skipper Ashleigh Gardner, who has yet to consistently impose herself with the bat this season.
With quality pace options in Renuka Singh, Kashvee Gautam, and Devine, complemented by Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s experience in the spin department, Gujarat possess the firepower to challenge Delhi’s growing confidence.
Match starts at 7:30 pm.
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