Delhi Capitals become the first team to qualify for WPL 2025 playoffs

The team representing the national capital of the country, Delhi Capitals have stormed into the playoffs of the third season of the Women’s Premier League, becoming the first team to secure a berth in the knockouts after a crushing 9-victory over defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 14 of the league.

With this scintillating win, their fifth of the season, the Capitals now sit in a relaxed position with 10 points in the kitty from seven games, reaffirming their stature as one of the league’s most complete and well-chiseled franchises. Having finished as runners-up in both previous editions, legend and 7-time World Cup winning captain Meg Lanning would be aiming to add one more coveted trophy, her maiden WPL title in her-overloaded cabinet.

Personifying elegance and consistency, the Lanning-led side have been the most dominating side of the tournament. Having fallen short of eventual winners Mumbai Indians in the finale of 2023, the side were cruising to their maiden title in 2024, but en-route came Smriti Mandhana to seal the maiden title for the franchise. Topping the points table in 2024 too, Capitals pocked 12 points with the best NRR of +1.198 (Net-run-rate).

The Capitals commenced their WPL 2025 campaign with a nail-biting last-ball thrilling win over Mumbai Indians while chasing a competitive total of 165. Under-19 World Cup winning captain Niki Prasad’s composed knock kept them in the contest, but it was Arundhati Reddy’s match-winning dive that sealed a tense two-wicket victory, setting the stage for their strong tournament run.

Though the team was handed over a 8-wicket drubbing by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the group reinvented itself and came back to winning ways with a roaring 7 wicket against UP Warriorz where Annabel Sutherland starred with an all-round performance of 2/26 and 41* with the bat.

However, in the reverse fixture against the same opponent, the Capitals bowlers were tethered off by the storm of Chinelle Henry that came at a strike rate of 269.57. Since then, the Capitals have put in every ounce of blood to dominate the counterpart and have been thoroughly successful in their attempt.

Jess Jonassen’s blitzkrieg with the ball and bat against Gujarat Giants set the tone for a complete team effort, while the Australian’s performance against Mumbai Indians reaffirmed her status as one of the current hottest all-round propositions in world cricket.

In RCB’s last home game on March 1, the 12th Man army hurled in huge numbers to see their team break the shackles and give a win for the respite during a time when the fans had to swallow three pity pills. However, the Delhi Captains toli who had outnumbered the home crowd had an enriching experience.

Shafali Verma and Jess Jonassen toyed with the RCB bowlers and destroyed the target of 148 runs with almost 5 overs to spare, eventually marking their position in the all-important playoffs.

Delhi Capitals’ journey into the playoffs has been bolstered by their magnificent batting performances, with star players delivering single-handed match-winning contributions till date.

At the forefront is opener Shafali Verma, who has put on a blazing show and is currently the third-highest run-getter of the tournament, smashing 260 runs at an impressive average of 43.33. More importantly, she has played selfless knocks, relinquishing her personal milestones to keep the scoring rate high with bulky knocks of 44, 43, and 43.

Skipper Meg Lanning has been a dependable partner at the help, amassing 171 runs to emerge as the fifth-highest run-getter, anchoring key chases and providing comfort and stability. Jess Jonassen has been a game-changer for the team, scoring 128 runs in just four innings at an unbelievable average of 64. With a powerful top order that has seen a performer in every run chase, Delhi Capitals have stormed into the knockouts in handsome fashion, making a strong validation for their maiden WPL title.

The Capitals’ pursuit to excellence has been equally powered by their drilled bowling attack. Jess Jonassen has led the charge with the ball, scalping 9 wickets in 6 games, maintaining an economy of 7.77 and a strike rate of 14.66, consistently breaking partnerships at crucial junctures.

Veteran pacer Shikha Pandey has been just as influential, picking up 9 wickets in 7 matches at a brilliant economy of 6.96, a performance that could well put her back in contention for a potential comeback in the Indian jersey. Belinda Clark Award winner Annabel Sutherland has also stepped up at crucial moments, claiming 8 wickets that have swiftly turned the tide in Delhi’s favour.

Complementing their bowling efforts, Delhi have been the best fielding unit by far in the competition, with their sharp reflexes and athleticism on the field. Sutherland’s stunning grab to dismiss Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award recipient Melie Kerr stands out as a contender for the catch of the tournament, demonstrating the team’s brilliance in the third department as well.

With one foot in the playoffs and a hungry appetite to finish on the podium, the Capitals would accept nothing but glory.

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