WPL 2023, Delhi Capitals thrash Mumbai Indians, climb to top

Delhi Capitals thrashed Mumbai Indians in the 18th match of the 2023 Women's Premier League (WPL) at the DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. The Capitals successfully chased down 110, with Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, and Alice Capsey steering them home. They completed the run-chase in the ninth over. As a result, DCW have displaced MIW at the top of the points table.

Mumbai Indians smashed 109/8 after they were invited to bat. DCW bowlers were all over MIW, with Marizanne Kapp, Shikha Pandey, and Jess Jonassen taking two wickets each. Pooja Vastrakar was the top scorer for MIW, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur smashed a 26-ball 23. Meanwhile, DCW were powered by Lanning (32*), Shafali (33), and Capsey (38*). They eventually won by nine wickets (9 overs).

DCW made a concerted effort with the ball. Kapp was the pick of their bowlers, having taken two wickets for 13 runs in four overs. Shikha and Jonassen also took two wickets each and conceded less than 30 runs. Arundhati Reddy chipped in with a solitary wicket of Amelia Kerr. Alice Capsey and Poonam Yadav also bowled an over each.

Once again, Lanning and Shafali were all guns blazing in a run-chase. They touched the 50-run mark in just the fourth over. Hayley Matthews then dismissed Shafali for 33 (15). The latter smashed 6 fours and 1 six. Capsey took over thereafter and smacked the MIW bowlers. She returned unbeaten on 38, having smashed 5 sixes. Meanwhile, Lanning hammered an unbeaten 32(22).

MIW were down and out after skipper Harmanpreet departed (74/6 in 14.5 overs). Issy Wong and Amanjot Kaur took Mumbai past 100 thereafter. The former succumbed to Jess Jonassen in the final over. She scored 23 off 24 balls, a knock laced with a solitary six. Her compatriot Amanjot finished with 19 off 16 balls (2 fours).

Both MIW and DCW had earlier reached the WPL playoffs. The Capitals have now displaced MIW at the top with a better Net Run Rate (1.98). MIW are second (NRR: 1.73). Earlier in the day, UP Warriorz made it to the final three. The team finishing first will directly reach the final. Meanwhile, the sides placed second and third will play the Eliminator.