The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 witnessed a riveting clash that culminated in Delhi Capitals etching their names as the first finalists, cruising to a formidable seven-wicket victory against Gujarat Giants. The stage was set at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where, on a pivotal Wednesday, Delhi Capitals stamped their authority, confirming their top position with 12 points after eight games.
A low-scoring encounter swung in Delhi’s favor, courtesy of a disciplined bowling performance that restricted the opposition to 126/9. The stage was then set for the Capitals’ opener Shafali Verma, who unleashed a whirlwind knock of 71 from just 37 deliveries, propelling her side to breeze through the 127-run chase in a mere 13.1 overs.
While Gujarat Giants struggled throughout the WPL 2024 season, concluding at the bottom with just two wins, they faced an additional blow after being knocked out of playoff contention when Royal Challengers Bangalore secured the third spot by defeating the second-placed Mumbai. Despite the setback, Gujarat aimed to avoid a last-place finish for the consecutive season, but Delhi Capitals’ dominant display left little room for their aspirations.
The Capitals, who had previously reached the final in the 2023 edition, began their conquest against Gujarat with remarkable zeal. South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp was instrumental, claiming the wickets of Gujarat captain Beth Mooney and star opener Laura Wolvaardt in quick succession, leaving the Giants reeling early in the innings.
Despite losing their first five wickets for a paltry 48 runs, the Giants found some solace in Bharati Fulmali’s gritty 42 off 36 balls and Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce, who stitched an essential unbeaten 28. However, Delhi’s bowlers – Minnu Mani, Shikha Pandey, and Kapp – proved too formidable, each bagging a couple of wickets to set up a modest chase for their batters.
The pursuit of victory showcased Delhi’s captain Meg Lanning in an aggressive mood as she struck four boundaries off Kathryn Bryce’s over, sending a clear signal of intent. Nonetheless, Gujarat gave a glimmer of hope with the successive wickets of Lanning and Alice Capsey in the fourth over. Still, their effort to mount a comeback was thwarted by the pair of Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, who strung together a match-defining 94-run stand for the third wicket.
Verma’s innings glittered with seven boundaries and five sixes, but just as she looked set for more fireworks, her dismissal arrived in the 13th over off the bowling of Tanuja Kanwar. Rodrigues, on the other end, remained unbeaten on 38, ensuring a smooth sail to the finish line for Delhi Capitals.
The Gujarat Giants deployed their full strength, with Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney, Dayalan Hemalatha, and others taking the field. In contrast, Delhi’s lineup boasted the likes of Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues, all playing pivotal roles in their successful campaign.
This triumph not only confirmed Delhi Capitals Women’s entry into the WPL final but also served as a testament to their consistency and prowess throughout the season. With this victory, a jubilant Capitals unit looks ahead to the finale, where they aim to cap off their impressive run with the coveted WPL 2024 trophy in hand.
