Delhi Capitals ensured their momentum carries on, by securing their fourth consecutive WPL final appearance with a seven-wicket win over the Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium. Making a mockery of a 169-run target, Jemimah Rodrigues’ side chased down the total in just 15.4 overs, setting up a blockbuster summit clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday.
While the Giants had successfully defended tight totals against Delhi twice in the league phase, the Eliminator was a different story. Lizelle Lee (43 off 24) and Shafali Verma (31 off 21) effectively dilute the pressure in the first six overs.
Renuka Singh’s nightmare: In the fifth over, Lee and Verma combined to cart the Indian seamer for five boundaries, yielding 21 runs.
Sealing the momentum: DC blazed to 75/0 in the Powerplay, ensuring the asking rate remained well under control from the outset.
The finish: Despite Georgia Wareham removing both openers in the 8th over, a calm 68-run partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues (41) and Laura Wolvaardt (32)* steered Delhi home with 26 balls to spare.
Earlier, the Giants struggled to find their footing after being put in to bat. Chinelle Henry delivered a masterclass with the new ball, dismissing the impactful Sophie Devine early and finishing with 3/35.
Nandini’s record: Seamer Nandini Sharma removed Anushka Sharma and Ashleigh Gardner off consecutive balls. In doing so, she reached 16 wickets for the season, the most by an Indian in a single WPL edition.
The Veteran Anchor: Beth Mooney (62 off 51)* batted from the first ball to the last, anchoring the innings from a precarious 59/4 to a competitive 168/7.
Wareham’s Cameo: Georgia Wareham provided much-needed impetus with a quickfire 35, including the match's first six.
