Courtesy: BCCI/WPL
The final of the WPL is currently taking place between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI), at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The Capitals won the toss and chose to field first as the Mumbai Indians had a chance to put up another big total on the scoreboard just like they did in their last playoff match against the Gujarat Giants. However, some impressive spells from the Capitals’ bowling unit restricted Mumbai Indians to a below par total of 149/7. One player in particular stood out in the bowling attack for the Delhi Capitals, and her name was Marizanne Kapp. The South African all-rounder dismissed both of the Mumbai openers within the first five overs, shifting the momentum in Delhi’s favour.
Her excellent spell of 2/11 (4) helped Delhi Capitals restrict Mumbai Indians to a relatively lower total. Having conceded only one boundary and not giving away any extras, Marizanne Kapp showed her quality and delivered in the crunch scenario.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur leads from the front with fifty for MI
On the other side, the MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur stepped up when it was required the most and scored a solid 66 in 44 deliveries, hitting nine fours and two sixes. She came in at a delicate time where MI had already lost two quick wickets and put up a critical partnership of 89 with Nat Sciver-Brunt, to guide her team to a total to compete with. Sciver, who has arguably been one of MI’s best batters this season, also pitched in an important 30 runs to the total.
The English all-rounder managed to score more than 500 runs this season, hitting five half-centuries in the process. While the 149-run total is not the most ideal one to defend in 20 overs, the dynamics of the match being a cup final could go a long way in deciding the winner today.
