Discover Annabel Sutherland’s exceptional all-round performance that led to Delhi’s thrilling victory in WPL 2025. Explore highlights and insights here.
Introduction:
The middle order of the Delhi Capitals finally rose to the challenge when it was most needed, guaranteeing that the firecracker start given by their high-scoring opening pair, Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning, did not go to waste. In an enthralling match, Capitals earned a seven-wicket victory over UP Warriorz, their highest successful run chase in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. This victory also concluded the Vadodara leg of the tournament with the chasing side emerging victorious in all six matches. The WPL action now shifts to Bengaluru, followed by Lucknow and Mumbai.
Lanning and Verma Set the Tone
Delhi Capitals’ innings began on a fiery note with openers Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma dismantling the Warriorz’ bowling attack in the powerplay. Shafali, who is known for her attacking batting, did not waste any time in thrashing Kranti Goud in the opening over. Lanning, who had had a couple of poor performances, meanwhile, got into her groove, laying the platform for the chase. See also: Ellyse Perry Shines, But MI Steals the Show in WPL 2025
The pair attacked Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Goud aggressively in the early overs, with three fours off Chinelle Henry further fueling the run rate. By the conclusion of the powerplay, Capitals had stormed to 59 runs, their tenth 50-plus stand in WPL history. See also: Sciver-Brunt’s All-Round Show
But the momentum was slightly disrupted when Shafali was out for 26 after having been dropped by Henry. Jemimah Rodrigues was gone soon too, for a duck—her third in WPL. Lanning, however, kept her cool, making a crucial 69 off 49 balls.
UP Warriorz Lose Momentum in the Middle Overs
Earlier in the match, the Warriorz had put up a competitive total of 177, largely thanks to Kiran Navgire’s stunning knock of 51 off 27 balls. Navgire dismissed any doubts about Warriorz’ inexperienced top order by launching an all-out assault on Delhi’s bowlers. She confronted veteran Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen, hitting them for two sixes and one bounce four off three balls. Her aggressive demeanor assisted Warriorz in achieving the quickest team fifty in WPL history—against just 25 balls. Navgire’s fifty in 24 balls was the equal-quickest by a Warriorz hitter.
Annabel Sutherland Shines Bright
But just when Warriorz looked set for a record total, Annabel Sutherland flipped the game around with astute changes in pace. Her ploy of short balls paid dividends, as both Vrinda Dinesh and Navgire got out in rapid succession. The spin pair of Jonassen and Minnu Mani then spun a web around the middle order, picking crucial wickets in rapid succession. Tahlia McGrath and Deepti Sharma were both perplexed, and it resulted in a collapse in which Warriorz lost four wickets for a mere 16 runs.
Despite this collapse, the debutant Chinelle Henry and Shweta Sehrawat provided some resistance. Henry, who had previously scored 61 at the same venue for West Indies, displayed her hitting prowess once again. She smashed Shikha Pandey for three sixes and a four in a single over, boosting Warriorz to 177. However, Delhi’s bowlers regained control in the final three overs, conceding just 16 runs to restrict the damage.
Capitals Keep Their Cool in a Nervy Chase
The Capitals appeared to be in charge for the majority of their pursuit, but it became complicated when Lanning got out for 69, with them requiring 48 from the last 32 balls. The pitch, which had begun to slow, was not easy to stroke. Warriorz felt that they had an opportunity as Sophie Ecclestone and Grace Harris tightened their lines, restricting boundaries and making the pursuit more difficult by the minute.
The turning point arrived when Ecclestone dropped Annabel Sutherland, providing Delhi with a lifeline. Kapp then asserted herself, hitting consecutive boundaries off Ecclestone to reduce the equation to 31 off 17. The pressure was further relaxed when Sutherland confronted Harris in the last over, mirroring Kapp’s aggression to push Delhi to the finishing line.
Warriorz’ poor fielding was instrumental in their defeat. They dropped three vital catches and misfielded at important moments, one of which was a run-out chance that went wrong in the last over that might have altered the course of the match. Instead, it proved to be the winning run for Delhi.
Key Takeaways from the Match
Navgire’s Blistering Knock: Her 51 off 27 balls demonstrated her capacity to tackle the top bowlers, setting the tone for Warriorz in the early stages.
Capitals’ Spin Punch: Jonassen and Minnu Mani’s decisive breakthroughs in the middle overs stalled Warriorz’ momentum, demonstrating Delhi’s bowling depth.
Lanning’s Captain’s Knock: Following two scratchy innings, she steadied the chase with a calm 69 off 49.
Marizanne Kapp’s Finishing Touch: Her calm and powerful stroke play under pressure turned the match in Delhi’s favor.
Fielding Blunders Cost Warriorz: Dropped catches and misfields at crucial moments proved too costly for Warriorz in the final overs.
What’s Next?
With this win, Delhi Capitals enter the second half of the tournament with good momentum as the games move to Bengaluru. UP Warriorz will have to get back in gear at speed, fixing their middle-order issues and fielding mishaps if they want to recover in Lucknow.