After faltering in tense finishes during the league phase, Delhi Capitals ensured there was no late drama this time as it cruised to a commanding seven-wicket win over Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator of the Women’s Premier League on Tuesday.
Chasing 169 on a surface offering low bounce at the Kotambi Stadium, Capitals reached the target with 26 balls to spare to seal a place in Thursday’s final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The victory marked Capitals’ fourth consecutive appearance in the WPL final.
In stark contrast to the Giants’ top order, which struggled early, Capitals made a flying start. Openers Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma took full advantage of the powerplay, racing to 75 without loss in the first six overs. The duo showcased ferocious hitting, especially in the fifth over when they hammered Renuka Singh for five boundaries.
Giants finally found some relief when Georgia Wareham was introduced in the eighth over. The leg-spinner struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Lee and Shafali within five deliveries. However, by then Capitals were already well placed at 92 for two, requiring just 77 more runs from 72 balls.
From there, skipper Jemimah Rodrigues took control. Jemimah led from the front with a fluent 41 off 23 balls, striking four fours and a six. She was well supported by Laura Wolvaardt, who remained unbeaten on 32 from 24 deliveries. The pair stitched together a decisive 68-run stand, ensuring Capitals never allowed the game to drift into a tight finish.
Earlier, Giants had posted 168 for seven after recovering from a shaky start. Opener Beth Mooney anchored the innings with an unbeaten 62 off 51 balls, hitting six fours. Wareham provided valuable support with a brisk 35, adding 61 runs with Mooney to lift the total after Giants slipped to 59 for four.
Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner’s side was always playing catch-up after early losses, including Sophie Devine, who edged Chinelle Henry to Lee. Henry was the pick of the Capitals bowlers, finishing with three wickets.
Despite Mooney and Wareham’s resistance, the total proved only competitive, not threatening. Capitals’ clinical chase underlined its experience in knockout matches and set up another shot at the WPL title.
