Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Alyssa Healy's UP Warriorz (UPW) to qualify for Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 final on the basis of superior net run rate (NRR). DC will now face the winner of eliminator between Warriorz and Harmanpreet Kaur’s Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 26 at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.
Lanning won the toss and opted to field first. Shweta Sehrawat got Warriorz off to a flyer but got dismissed by Radha Yadav in the fifth over. The opener scored 19 runs from 12 balls. Simran Shaikh struggled to score and it added pressure on Healy. The opener got stumped out off Alice Capsey. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 36 off 34 deliveries.
Tahlia McGrath boosted the run rate whereas wickets fell on the other end. Yadav ended Shaikh's misery. She scored 11 runs off 23 balls. Three more Warriorz batters -- Kiran Navgire, Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone -- got stumped. McGrath carried the innings on her back. She remained unbeaten for 58 off 32 deliveries including eight fours and two sixes.
Capitals were clinical in the run chase. Shafali Verma hit four boundaries in her 21-run cameo. Soppadhandi Yashasri broke the opening partnership of 56 runs. Shabnim Ismail came back into the attack and trapped Jemimah Rodrigues in front of the stumps. In the same over she dismissed Lanning who had scored 39 off 23 deliveries including five fours and two sixes.
Marizanne Kapp and Capsey played patiently and kept Warriorz on the bay. The 60-run partnership was crucial. Left-arm spinner Ecclestone got rid of Capsey who contributed with 31-ball 34. Jess Jonassen could not open her account and got run out for a five-ball duck. Kapp kept her cool and guided Capitals to victory in the 18th over of the run chase. She remained unbeaten for a 31-ball 34.
“Played a different innings yesterday, which was fun. But took some responsibility today. At number 3. it is about taking on the bowlers. Tried to stay calm under pressure. The duel with Sophie was superb. She is the world number 1 for a reason. First final of the WPL and that is exciting,” the English all-rounder said in the post-match presentation.
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