Meg Lanning and Jess Jonassen Lead Delhi Capitals to Second Straight Victory in WPL 2023, DC vs. UPW
Meg Lanning, the team’s captain, scored her second consecutive half-century, while Jess Jonassen put on an all-around performance as Delhi Capitals stretched their batting muscles to defeat UP Warriorz by 42 runs on Tuesday in the Women’s Premier League in this city. Lanning took the initiative and scored an entertaining 70 off 42 balls as Delhi Capitals, who were called in to bat, once again demonstrated their strength by outscoring UP Warriorz to reach 211 for four. After scoring an unbroken 42 off 20 balls, Jess Jonassen came back to grab three wickets to put an end to the UP Warriorz, who finished at 169 for 5 in 20 overs.
Tahlia McGrath put off the inevitable with the greatest individual score in the WPL so far with stroke-filled 90 not out off 50 balls.
As Warriorz suffered their first loss in the inaugural season, Delhi recorded their second victory in as many games.
After Jonassen struck twice in the fourth over to get rid of the opposition’s skipper Alyssa Healy (24 off 17 balls) and Kiran Navgire, Warriorz were unable to recover (2). Before Navgire fell to a wild slog, the left-arm spinner caught Healy at point after beating her in the air.
The Warriorz were at 31 for three after India U-19 star Shweta Sehrawat (1) struggled throughout her six-ball stint and was caught behind by Marizanne Kapp.
Warriorz made a dubious decision by benching Grace Harris, who had given them the victory over Gujarat Giants, in favour of Shabnim Ismail’s added speed. Ismail was the finest bowler on display, but the run chase missed Harris’ big hitting prowess.
In the earlier portion of Delhi’s innings, Lanning stole the show, and teammate Australian Jonassen exploded in the final overs to ensure Delhi crossed the 200-run threshold for the second time in as many games.
With Jemimah Rodrigues providing strong support for Jonassen, Delhi scored 65 runs off the final five overs (34 not off 22 balls).
The UP Warriorz chose to field, believing that the surface would initially favour the pacers, but Delhi were able to neutralise that threat and score a formidable total.
Shafali Verma (17 off 14), Lanning’s opening partner, and she combined for 67 runs off 39 balls, with the skipper contributing the majority of the damage.
Ismail’s maiden spell saw the ball swing around, but she was unfortunate not to take a wicket. Lanning’s day was obvious because even her misfires were successful. Ten fours and three sixes were included in her innings.
Lanning attempted to flick the ball off a full pitch after Ismail caused it to swing away, but she received a leading edge that sent the ball flying over the bowler’s head for the game’s first six.
Ismail again contributed to Lanning’s second six as she mishit a pull that went over the fine-leg fielder.
The inspiring Australian captain excelled with her backfoot play on either side of the wicket, with the cut and pull playing a crucial role in her style.
On a sweep off Sophie Ecclestone, she hit her second consecutive 50. It had a top edge that easily surpassed the square fence at the back.
With Kiran Navgire taking a diving catch at deep square leg off Tahlia McGrath, Shafali was out in the seventh over.
When Delhi were coasting at 87 for one in nine overs, a passing shower briefly halted play.
The other UP bowlers, with the exception of Ismail, allowed more than 10 runs per over.
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