WPL Match 9, Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals - Talking Points and Who Said What?

After registering their first win of the Women’s Premier League against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their previous fixture, Gujarat Giants were blown away by Delhi Capitals on Saturday, March 11 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Capitals came bruised into the encounter having faced their first loss of the competition against Mumbai Indians in their previous match.

However, the Meg Lanning-led side made an incredible comeback in their fourth match as they restricted Giants to 105/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Marizanne Kapp starred with the ball as she picked up a fifer within the first seven overs of the match.

Following a breathtaking bowling performance by Delhi, it was the turn for their batters to fire. Opener Shafali Verma’s sensational batting display helped her side chase down the target in 7.1 overs as they won the match by 10 wickets. As Delhi came back to winning ways, let’s take a look at the talking points from the match-

Marizanne Kapp registers best bowling figures in WPL

Kapp was in full form as she looked in rhythm right from the first ball. She picked up the prized scalps of Laura Wolvaardt, Ashleigh Gardner, and Harleen Deol in her first three overs to break the back of Gujarat Giants’ batting. The Proteas all-rounder finished with figures of 5/15 in 4 overs and became the third bowler to pick up a fifer in the WPL. Her match figures are also the best bowling figures of the tournament so far.

Shafali Verma’s blitzkrieg helps Delhi chase 106 in just 7.1 overs

With just 106 runs needed to win, Shafali Verma was determined to get her side off to a flying start after failing to fire in the previous two matches. She played a scintillating knock of 76* off 28 balls smacking 10 fours and five sixes in her innings.

Courtesy of her mind-boggling knock, Delhi registered the highest powerplay score in the WPL as they were 87/0 after six overs. Shafali also has the most number of sixes in the tournament so far with ten maximums to her name.

Losing captain Sneh Rana said:

It is completely okay. The girls did their best. It was not our day and that is fine. (On the pitch) It was a bit skiddy. (Decision at the toss) I think it was a good decision because ball was coming onto the bat well. It was nice to bat on. (On her injury) It is fine and I hope it gets better. (On Shafali Verma) She was fantastic. All those shots were incredible. 

Winning captain Meg Lanning said:

Shafali certainly was (in a hurry). I was just cheerleading from the other end. Some of the cleanest hitting I have seen. Amazing knock. I just asked her to keep it simple and hit the ball straight. It was incredible to watch. Still trying to get over it. (At the half-way stage) It seemed like a new-ball wicket, and they have some very good bowlers. When it was full, we could play. Shafali did not make it look tough. We did not want to go into our shell and tried to be aggressive. Her (Kapp) natural length just seems to work on this sort of pitch. I loved watching her bowl. She has been frustrated with her performances so far but nothing of that sort tonight. (How she is feeling) Very happy tonight.

Marizanne Kapp, Player of the Match said:

(The perfect length) I wanted to perform so badly for my team. Previous games, I felt that I was missing my lines and lengths. I think if you want to perform, you have to put in the hard work. I felt I let my team down in the first three games. That is what makes it so tough (being an all-rounder). Luckily, I didn't bat today so I can be happy about my bowling (chuckles). It was absolutely amazing. We have such a nice group of players and it has been an amazing experience being here.

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