In a dominant performance, Delhi Capitals defeated the former champions Mumbai Indians by 9 wickets in the Women’s Premier League on Friday, securing the first position in the league table. Mumbai Indians, who chose to bat first, were restricted to 123 for nine, thanks to impressive bowling from Delhi Capitals, especially Jess Jonassen, who took 3 wickets for 25 runs. Jonassen dismissed key Mumbai Indians players like Nat Sciver-Brunt, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and G Kamalini.
Delhi Capitals had a strong start in their chase of the modest target, with captain Meg Lanning (60 not out from 49 balls) and Shafali Verma (43 from 28 balls) putting together an 85-run partnership in just 59 balls.
Shafali Verma was playing aggressively but was dismissed while attempting a big hit against Amanjot Kaur. Amelia Kerr caught her near the boundary.
By that point, however, Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning had effectively ensured Delhi Capitals’ victory with their powerful batting.
Shafali Verma’s quick innings included four fours and two sixes.
Meg Lanning, who had been looking for form, played a superb unbeaten innings with nine boundaries.
Jemimah Rodrigues contributed with a quick 15 not out from 10 balls as Delhi Capitals reached the target with 33 balls remaining.
Earlier, Mumbai Indians had a slow start, losing their openers Yastika Bhatia (11) and Hayley Matthews (22) in quick succession.
Nat Sciver-Brunt continued her good form and partnered with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (18) for 38 runs for the third wicket, before Kaur was dismissed by Jonassen.
Sciver-Brunt was then also dismissed by Jonassen, caught on a return catch.
Sajeevan Sajana was then dismissed cheaply, caught by Meg Lanning off Minnu Mani.
Mumbai Indians continued to lose wickets, and G Kamalini was also bowled by Jonassen. Mumbai Indians were struggling at 104 for 7 in 17.5 overs.
Mumbai Indians managed to reach a score of 120 runs without being bowled out.
With this win, Delhi Capitals are now at the top of the WPL points table with eight points from six matches, while Mumbai Indians are now second with six points from five matches.
Delhi Capitals will next play Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, while Mumbai Indians will play against UP Warriorz on March 6 in Lucknow.
