WPL 2025: Harleen Deol's batting exploits dampen Meg Lanning's 92 as Gujarat Giants gun down Delhi Capitals by 5 wickets

Harleen Deol-inspired Gujarat Giants notched up a dramatic five-wicket win over the table toppers Delhi Capitals in their Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 clash at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Delhi Capitals posted a challenging total of 177/5 riding on Meg Lanning's top notch 92. In reply, Harleen Deol stood like a rock and steered Delhi Capitals past the finishing line with her 70-run knock.

Gujarat Giants beat Delhi Capitals by five wickets 

While Gujarat celebrated their thrilling win, Delhi, despite a disappointing bowling performance, had already secured their playoff berth, allowing them to approach their final league game with less pressure.

Delhi Capitals enjoyed a strong start to their innings, with Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma forging an impressive 83-run opening partnership. After Verma's dismissal for 40, Lanning took charge, delivering a spectacular 92 runs off 57 balls. Lanning's exceptional performance stood in stark contrast to the struggles of the middle order, where Jonassen and Jemimah contributed only 9 and 4 runs respectively. This lack of support arguably prevented Delhi from posting a more substantial and defensible total.

Delhi Capitals concluded their first innings with a total of 177 runs. Gujarat Giants' Meghna Singh delivered an impressive bowling performance, securing three wickets, while Deandra Dottin claimed two. In the subsequent chase, Gujarat faced an early setback with Dayalan Hemalatha's quick dismissal. However, Beth Mooney and Harleen Deol formed a crucial 85-run partnership, maintaining Gujarat's momentum.

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Following Mooney's departure after scoring 44 runs, Harleen Deol took command, skillfully pacing her innings and keeping the scoreboard moving. This steady accumulation of runs applied pressure to the Delhi Capitals' bowlers and enabled Ash Gardner and Deandra Dottin to play their natural, aggressive styles. Gardner contributed 22 runs off 13 balls, and Dottin added a quickfire 24 off 10. While Delhi's lower order faltered, Gujarat's batting lineup rose to the challenge, ultimately proving to be the decisive factor in their victory.

Harleen Deol anchored the Gujarat Giants' chase, delivering a match-winning, unbeaten 70 runs off 49 deliveries, securing a five-wicket victory for her team. This win propelled Gujarat Giants to second place in the points table, surpassing the Mumbai Indians. Despite the loss, the Delhi Capitals retained their position at the top of the table with 10 points.

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