Gujarat Giants Eye Playoff Spot as They Face Table-Toppers Delhi Capitals good or best 1

Srinidhi Ramanujam
March 8, 2025

The Gujarat Giants will look to keep their playoff dreams alive as they face the Delhi Capitals in the final match of their round-robin stage in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. While the Capitals have already secured a playoff spot, they are determined to end the group stage with a victory.

Match Details:

• Teams: Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Gujarat Giants (GG)
• Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
• Time: 7:30 PM IST

---

Big Picture: A Crucial Clash for Gujarat Giants

After a slow start to the tournament, the Gujarat Giants have shown remarkable improvement, winning two consecutive matches and keeping their playoff hopes alive. The team, initially struggling with just one win in their first four games, has found its rhythm at the right time and is keen to finish the Lucknow leg on a high note. Their final group-stage game in Mumbai will be their last chance to secure a playoff berth.

On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals, the first team to qualify for the playoffs, have been dominant throughout the tournament. With a 5-2 win-loss record, they will be aiming to maintain their top position in the points table. This match will not only be important for Gujarat but also to help the Capitals sharpen their form heading into the knockout stage.

The Giants’ Resurgence

The Gujarat Giants’ turnaround has been impressive. Once heavily reliant on their star players like Ashleigh Gardner and Deandra Dottin, the team now boasts a more balanced and resilient batting lineup. Key contributions have come from the likes of Harleen Deol, Beth Mooney, and Phoebe Litchfield, who have stepped up in recent matches, sharing the responsibility with the senior players.

Despite their early struggles, the Giants’ bowlers have been the team’s standout performers. In their three victories so far, the Gujarat Giants’ bowlers have taken 26 out of the 30 wickets available, with Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, and Priya Mishra taking a combined 21 wickets. With such potent performances with the ball, Gujarat is now a well-rounded team, making them a formidable opponent in the final stretch of the group stage.

Delhi Capitals: Looking to Maintain Momentum

The Capitals will go into this match with a long break behind them, having last played six days ago. Whether this break will affect their momentum remains to be seen, but with a team as experienced as theirs, it’s unlikely to cause significant disruption. Led by Meg Lanning, the Capitals have displayed consistency and composure throughout the tournament, with Shafali Verma being one of the standout performers. Verma has been in excellent form, scoring 167 runs in her last three innings, including a match-winning 80 in the previous game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The Capitals are almost certain to stick with their winning combination, especially after their resounding victory against RCB. The team’s batting depth, combined with a strong bowling attack featuring the likes of Marizanne Kapp and Shikha Pandey, makes them a well-rounded side heading into the playoffs.

---

Players to Watch

Shafali Verma (Delhi Capitals)

Shafali Verma has been in sublime form, having accumulated 167 runs in her last three matches. Known for her attacking style, Verma’s recent performances have shown maturity and composure. Against the Gujarat Giants, she will be determined to continue her run of good form, with the playoffs just around the corner.

Tanuja Kanwar (Gujarat Giants)

Tanuja Kanwar has been the Giants’ star bowler, especially in recent matches. After a quiet start to the tournament, the left-arm spinner has taken 6 wickets in her last three games, including a match-winning 3 for 17 against UP Warriorz. With Delhi Capitals’ lineup featuring several right-handed batters, Kanwar’s role will be crucial in breaking partnerships and taking key wickets.

---

Team News and Probable Lineups

Delhi Capitals (Probable)

1. Meg Lanning (captain)
2. Shafali Verma
3. Jess Jonassen
4. Jemimah Rodrigues
5. Annabel Sutherland
6. Marizanne Kapp
7. Sarah Bryce (wicketkeeper)
8. Niki Prasad
9. Shikha Pandey
10. Minnu Manni
11. Shree Charani

The Capitals are unlikely to make changes to their winning combination, which was in fine form during their recent victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Gujarat Giants (Probable)

1. Beth Mooney (wicketkeeper)
2. D Hemalatha
3. Harleen Deol
4. Ashleigh Gardner (captain)
5. Phoebe Litchfield
6. Deandra Dottin
7. Kashvee Gautam
8. Bharti Fulmali
9. Tanuja Kanwar
10. Meghna Singh
11. Priya Mishra

While there have been calls for potential changes in the opening pair, Gujarat is likely to stick with D Hemalatha to partner Beth Mooney at the top.

---

Key Stats

• Ashleigh Gardner has been a powerful force with the bat, hitting 15 sixes in this edition, the most by a Gujarat batter. Deandra Dottin is a distant second with four.
• Delhi Capitals have been the second-best team in the death overs, conceding 8.72 runs per over in the final four overs of the game. Only Mumbai Indians have been better.
• Gujarat Giants have dominated the powerplay phase, taking 13 wickets and conceding only 6.08 runs per over, the best among all teams.

---

Final Thoughts

As the Gujarat Giants battle for a playoff spot, the Delhi Capitals will look to finish their group stage campaign with a strong performance. With both teams packed with match-winners, this promises to be an exciting encounter. Gujarat’s key players like Gardner and Dottin, along with their solid bowling attack, will need to fire if they are to overcome the Capitals’ well-rounded squad.

For Delhi, players like Verma and Kapp will be key to maintaining their dominant form. Though they are already in the playoffs, a strong finish to the group stage will boost their confidence heading into the knockout rounds.

With everything to play for, expect a thrilling contest at the Ekana Cricket Stadium as Gujarat Giants try to secure their spot in the next phase of WPL 2025.

read more…

Instagram…