WPL: Rodrigues, Jonassen help Delhi solidify at the top
The 12th 2024 Women’s Premier League match was played at Arun Jaitley Stadium between Delhi Capitals Women and the Mumbai Indians Women and the hosts displayed a dominating performance, defeating Mumbai by 29 runs to consolidate their top position in the points table.
Being asked to bat first, Delhi Capitals got off to a brilliant start with captain Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma as openers, amassing 48 in four-and-a-half overs. Verma was caught by Yastika Bhatia off Shabnim Ismail’s after a brisk 28 off 12 featuring three fours and two sixes. Captain Lanning then partnered with Alice Capsey, contributing 31 for the second wicket. After Capsey’s departure, Lanning also returned to the pavilion with a splendid 53 off 38 balls.
The finishing touch came from the elegant yet destructive Jemimah Rodrigues, who remained unbeaten after an outstanding 69 in just 33, comprising eight fours and three sixes. Her remarkable innings helped the team reach a formidable total of 192 runs in 20 overs. For Mumbai Indians, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque, Pooja Vastrakar, and Hayley Matthews each took one wicket.
Chasing 193, the star-studded Mumbai side faced pressure from the start, losing wickets regularly, with four top-order batters falling within the Powerplay. Although Matthews looked promising, she also perished without converting her 29 off 17 into a score of substance.
Towards the end, Amanjot Kaur played a solid and quick knock of 42 off 27 balls, but it was not enough to prevent the defeat. In the end, Mumbai could manage 163 in their 20 overs, losing by 29 runs. For Delhi Capitals Women, Jess Jonassen and Marizanne Kapp stood out with three and two wickets, respectively.
Top Performers of the Match
Jemimah Rodrigues (69* of 33)
Known for her stylish strokeplay, Jemimah Rodrigues showcased her prowess with an exceptional unbeaten innings of 69 runs off just 33 balls. Her exquisite drives and boundary-hitting prowess were on full display as she anchored Delhi’s innings with finesse and became the best batter of the match.
Jess Jonassen (3/21, 4 overs)
Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen continued her impressive form in the tournament by delivering another superb spell with the ball. She conceded only 21 runs in her four overs while scalping three crucial wickets to disrupt Mumbai’s chase of the imposing target.
What next?
Next up, the Mumbai Indians are set to face UP Warriorz at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on March 7. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals will lock horns with the same opponents at the same venue on March 8.
