The Delhi Capitals delivered a commanding all-round performance to halt Mumbai Indians’ three-match winning streak in the Women’s Premier League. Unlike their previous nail-biting finish, this time DC chased down the target with ease, showcasing their dominance just as the tournament enters a crucial phase.
Chasing a modest 124, DC’s dynamic duo, Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning, made the task look effortless. Although Mumbai Indians found an early breakthrough when Shabnim Ismail’s inswinger struck Lanning on the pads, a review confirmed she was safe. Ismail continued to test Lanning with pace, but the DC captain responded in style, driving confidently through the gaps. Meanwhile, Shafali took on Nat Sciver-Brunt’s short deliveries, smashing her for 16 runs in a single over. With 57 runs on the board in the powerplay, the result was all but sealed. Even Amelia Kerr’s leg-spin couldn’t slow down DC’s relentless charge.
It was an uncharacteristically off day for Mumbai’s key players—Ismail, Sciver-Brunt, Kerr, and Hayley Matthews—who failed to make an impact with either bat or ball. The result was one of MI’s weakest performances, similar to the struggles faced by Royal Challengers Bengaluru the previous day. However, while MI faltered, DC executed a near-perfect game across all departments.
A Strong Start with the Ball
Marizanne Kapp initially struggled with her line and length, allowing Yastika Bhatia and Matthews to find early boundaries. But DC quickly adjusted, with Shikha Pandey delivering a game-changing spell. She found her rhythm and dismissed Bhatia with an edge to the wicketkeeper, capping off a brilliant wicket-maiden in the powerplay. From that point, MI struggled to recover.
Mumbai’s innings was plagued by 55 dot balls and a scarcity of boundaries—only six fours and one six after the powerplay. Although Harmanpreet Kaur and Sciver-Brunt tried to build momentum, their quick dismissals left the lower order struggling. On a sluggish surface, DC’s bowlers executed a disciplined plan, ensuring MI never found their rhythm.
A Fielding Masterclass
Delhi’s fielding was just as sharp as their batting and bowling. The highlight was Annabel Sutherland’s stunning diving catch at long-on to dismiss Amelia Kerr—an effort that typified DC’s improved energy in the field. Such half-chances had gone begging in previous matches, but this time, Delhi Capitals made every opportunity count.
Momentum on Their Side
This win marks DC’s most comprehensive performance of the season. Following a shaky start, where they lost two games and barely scraped through others, they now look poised to secure a playoff spot for the third consecutive year. Jemimah Rodrigues acknowledged the importance of this victory, stating, “We badly needed this win. We may not have been at our best, but today was a complete performance.”
Lanning echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how the team is improving with each game. “We wanted to put all three facets together today—batting, bowling, and fielding—and we did that. Our bowlers set things up nicely, Shikha was outstanding in the powerplay, and we executed well.” She also praised Sutherland’s exceptional catch, highlighting the team’s commitment to attacking every ball.
As the tournament progresses, one mystery remains unsolved—why teams batting first at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium continue to struggle, despite seemingly unchanged conditions. While Delhi can enjoy this win and the momentum it brings, they know they must keep refining their game.
For now, they have one foot in the playoffs. But as seasoned contenders, they understand that being “almost there” is never enough. With their squad finally clicking at the right time, Delhi Capitals look set to finish the league stage on a strong note—potentially with six wins, just like in the previous two seasons. Their latest victory was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent.
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