In a heart-stopping Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 encounter, the Gujarat Giants pulled off a stunning 4-run victory over the Delhi Capitals in a match that went down to the final ball. The Giants, defending a modest total of 147, held their nerve to secure a crucial win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
A Tense Run Chase Decided on the Final Delivery
The Delhi Capitals, led by captain Meg Lanning, seemed in control for large parts of their chase. However, the Gujarat Giants bowlers executed their plans perfectly in the death overs to apply immense pressure. The match reached a dramatic climax with Delhi needing 10 runs from the final over bowled by Ashleigh Gardner.
With 5 runs required off the last ball, Delhi's Jess Jonassen could only manage a single, sparking wild celebrations in the Giants' camp. The Capitals finished their innings at 142 for 8, falling agonizingly short of the 147-run target. This thrilling victory marks a significant turnaround for the Gujarat Giants in the tournament.
Mooney's Steady Knock and Bryce's Impactful Spell
The foundation for Gujarat's win was laid by their captain, Beth Mooney, who played a composed innings of 55 runs off 47 balls. Her knock, which included 6 fours, provided much-needed stability after the Giants lost early wickets. Laura Wolvaardt contributed a valuable 21, while Bharati Fulmali (21) and Ashleigh Gardner (18) added quick runs towards the end to push the total to a competitive 146 for 7.
For Delhi, spinner Radha Yadav was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for just 20 runs in her four overs. Marizanne Kapp and Arundhati Reddy also chipped in with two wickets apiece, keeping the Giants' batting in check.
The star with the ball for Gujarat was Scotland's Kathryn Bryce, who delivered a match-winning spell. Her figures of 2 wickets for 23 runs in four overs were crucial, including the vital wicket of the dangerous Meg Lanning for 23. Spinner Tanuja Kanwar also impressed, taking 2 for 21, and veteran bowler Mansi Joshi provided a key breakthrough by dismissing the in-form Alice Capsey for 22.
Implications for the WPL 2024 Points Table
This nail-biting result has significant implications for the WPL 2024 standings. The victory provides the Gujarat Giants with a massive boost in confidence and crucial points. For the Delhi Capitals, it was a missed opportunity to solidify their position near the top of the table.
The match showcased the intense competitiveness of the Women's Premier League, where any team can triumph on a given day through sheer determination and tactical discipline. The Giants' ability to defend a sub-150 total under extreme pressure will serve as a blueprint for other teams in the tournament.
Both teams will now look to analyze their performances closely as the league stage progresses. The Gujarat Giants will aim to build momentum from this thrilling win, while the Delhi Capitals will seek to address their finishing skills in close run-chases.
