Vadodara: Finalists from the first two seasons, Delhi Capitals (DC), secured a spot in the Top-2 of the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 standings with a thrilling seven-wicket win over UP Warriorz (UPW) in Match 6 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. With this victory, DC moved up in the rankings while Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remained at the top with four points, leaving winless UPW at the bottom.
Lanning Leads DC’s Chase with Match-Winning Knock
After previous losses to Mumbai Indians and RCB, Meg Lanning, the highest run-scorer in TATA WPL history, returned to form with a spectacular 49-ball 69. Her innings set the stage for DC’s chase of 167, which was completed with just one ball to spare. Annabel Sutherland (41* off 35, 2-26) and Marizanne Kapp (29* off 17) played crucial roles in seeing DC home. UPW’s Kiran Navgire’s rapid 51 off 27 balls ultimately went in vain.
UPW’s Explosive Start and DC’s Fightback
Winning the toss, DC skipper Lanning chose to bowl first. UPW’s aggressive approach was evident as Kiran Navgire and Vrinda Dinesh attacked the DC bowlers early. Navgire reached her maiden WPL fifty off just 24 balls, with six fours and three sixes. The opening partnership of 58 runs in just five overs put UPW in a strong position.
However, DC’s bowlers, led by Sutherland, orchestrated a comeback. Sutherland dismissed both openers, with Dinesh (16 off 15) and Navgire (51 off 27) falling while attempting big hits. Jess Jonassen and Minnu Mani also struck crucial blows, sending UPW reeling at 83/4 at the halfway stage.
A rebuilding effort by Grace Harris and Shweta Sehrawat added 36 vital runs before Harris fell. UPW’s late surge came from Chinelle Henry, who played a blistering 15-ball 33*, helping the team post a competitive total of 166/7. Sutherland’s 2-26 was instrumental in restricting UPW’s scoring.
DC’s Batters Shine Under Pressure
In response, Lanning and Shafali Verma, WPL’s most successful opening duo, provided a solid start, taking DC to 59/0 in the powerplay. Verma fell after a quickfire 25 off 14, while Jemimah Rodrigues was dismissed soon after, leaving DC at 70/2.
Lanning continued her dominance, reaching a half-century off 34 balls before being dismissed by Harris. The game swung back and forth, with DC at 116/3 after 14 overs. Sutherland and Kapp then took control, steering DC closer to victory. A dropped catch by Alana King in the penultimate over proved costly for UPW.
Needing 11 runs off the final over, Sutherland hit two crucial boundaries off McGrath. With just one run needed from the last two balls, UPW squandered a run-out chance, allowing Kapp to make her ground and seal the win for DC.
Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals 167/3 in 19.5 overs (Meg Lanning 69, Annabel Sutherland 41*, Marizanne Kapp 29*; Grace Harris 1-11) beat UP Warriorz 166/7 in 20 overs (Kiran Navgire 51, Shweta Sehrawat 37, Chinelle Henry 33*; Annabel Sutherland 2-26).
