WPL 2024: Delhi Capitals beat Gujarat by 25 runs to climb to the top of the points table

Delhi Capitals climbed to the top of the WPL 2024 points table after beating Gujarat Giants by 25 runs in Bangalore. Gujarat, who are still to win a single game till now in this season, fell 25 runs short of Delhi's 163-run in the first inning of the match. Jess Joannesen and Radha Yadav were too good with the ball with their three-wicket hauls in the second inning. Jonaseen was adjudged the player of the match for her 22/3 with the ball.

Gujarat Giants won the toss and elected to field first. Unfortunately, two of their players, Harleen Deol and Sneh Rana, were unable to play due to injury. As a result, Veda Krishnamurthy and debutant Tarannum Pathan took their place in the Giants' playing eleven. The Capitals also made two changes to their lineup, with Marizanne Kapp and Minnu Mani being replaced by Annabel Sutherland and Titas Sadhu. Titas Sadhu made her WPL debut after playing seven T20Is for India.

Shafali Verma had a brief innings of 12 runs from 9 balls before being dismissed by Meghna Singh. However, Alice Capsey and captain Meg Lanning ensured that the Capitals had a solid start. But after the powerplay, Meghna Singh struck again and dismissed Capsey for a solid 27 from 17 balls.

Meg Lanning played a responsible innings, ensuring that the Capitals did not lose quick wickets. She completed her fifty in 38 balls, after being dropped by Katherine Bryce on 30. However, she was eventually dismissed by Meghna Singh as she attempted to go over the short point.

Gujarat's fielding efforts were not commendable, and if it wasn't for some dropped catches, they could have restricted Delhi to a lower total. Annabel Sutherland was dropped on 2 but went on to make a valuable 20 from 12 balls. Although Jemimah Rodrigues was dismissed quickly, Sutherland and the lower order ensured that Delhi Capitals crossed the 160-mark, finishing on 163/8 in the first innings. Meghna Singh returned with 37/4 in her 4 overs.

Also Read: WPL 2024 UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants: Rampant Harris helps UP win their second game of the season

Gujarat could not get a quick start as debutant Titas Sadhu bowled a maiden in her first over of WPL career. Soon, Laura Wolvaardt was cleaned bowled by Shikha Pandey with the beauty of an inswinger. Jess Joannsen then removed Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield in the same over to break the backbone of Gujarat's batting lineup.

Struggling at 34/3, the Giants were hoping for a good contribution from their experienced campaigner Veda Krishnamurthy. However, Veda could only add 12 from 13 balls. After her dismissal, Giant's hopes relied on Ashleigh Gardener. But, after a solid 31-ball 40, she was sent back to the dressing room by Jess Joannsen. Though there were some doubts about whether Taniya Bhatia's gloves were behind the stumps or not, the third umpire signed out and Gardner had to leave disappointed. 

Post her dismissal, the Gujarat Giants' lower order could not resist and score against the Delhi bowlers. Radha Yadav and Jess Joannsen finished with three wickets each as Delhi won their third match on the trought by 25 runs.

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