In an exceptional performance, the dashing opener Shafali Verma smashed a 37-ball 71, guiding the Delhi Capitals to a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Gujarat Giants.
With this win, the table-toppers, Delhi Capitals, secured direct qualification into the final of the Women’s Premier League.
Entering the game with the aim of securing a direct spot in the final, Delhi Capitals’ bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, restricting the Giants to a modest total of 126 for nine at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Following the impressive bowling display, the hosts moved closer to achieving their goal of securing a place in the final.
In the upcoming final on Sunday, the Delhi Capitals will face the winner of the eliminator match between the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Shafali Verma, known for her aggressive batting style, lived up to her reputation by smashing five sixes and seven fours en route to her explosive innings. Her fifty came in just 28 balls, displaying her attacking intent and skill with the bat. Partnering with Jemimah Rodrigues (38 not out), Shafali propelled the Capitals to victory, with the team chasing down the target of 127 with ease, finishing the game with 41 balls to spare.
Earlier in the match, Delhi Capitals’ bowlers put up an impressive performance to contain the Gujarat Giants’ batting lineup. Despite Bharati Fulmali’s resilient knock of 42 off 36 balls and Kathryn Bryce’s unbeaten 28, the Giants struggled to post a competitive total. Marizanne Kapp led the bowling attack with figures of 2/17, well supported by Shikha Pandey and Minnu Mani, who both claimed two wickets each.
The Giants’ decision to bat first backfired as they lost crucial wickets early on, including that of skipper Beth Mooney for a duck in the very first over. Despite efforts from Ashleigh Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield, the Giants failed to accelerate the scoring rate and were eventually restricted to a below-par total.
Ultimately, the partnership between Fulmali and Bryce provided the Giants with a fighting chance, but it was not enough to prevent Delhi Capitals from securing a convincing victory and booking their spot in the final of the Women’s Premier League.