It was a thrilling encounter in a Women’s Premier League (WPL 2025) GG vs DC match as Gujarat Giants beat Delhi Capitals by five wickets, three balls remaining, to earn a crucial victory in their quest for the playoffs. Harleen Deol’s dazzling 70 not out, and Meghna Singh’s superb three-wicket spell aided Gujarat in securing the win in a challenging chase of 178.
The win pushed the Giants ahead of Mumbai Indians to second spot on the points table, and they remained in contention for the playoffs. For Delhi Capitals, with a superb knock of 92 by Meg Lanning, it was one of the missed opportunities that went against them in the GG vs DC match.
Gujarat Giants Fight Back from Early Stumbles in WPL 2025
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In the chase, Gujarat Giants were 15 for 1 in four overs with a steady approach and not about big-hitting top-order batsmen. The leaving of Dayalan Hemalatha early on, in keeping with her dismal patch of form, made it a tall order to achieve. However, supporting the boat were Mooney and Deol.
That was to be the plan in stabilizing the boat: Mooney’s cut-offs off the infield helped put a brake on run flow, while Deol came in with a calm knock. After the powerplay, Deol hit successive fours in back-to-back overs to get the chase going once again. The pair’s 85-run association gave good strength to the Giants, but the game wasn’t done yet.
Deol’s Essential Knock and Pinch Misses in WPL 2025
The Capitals’ fielding errors came at a price, particularly when Harleen Deol, on 27, was dropped by Shefali Verma at long-off. The missed chance turned out to be the game-changer in the match, as Deol picked up speed after that.
When Mooney was caught out for 44, the run chase was still very much in the game, with the rate required to climb steadily. Deol, who reached her first WPL fifty in 2023, was in the zone. She played on the field’s emptiness and punished loose deliveries.
The fielding woes continued for Delhi as Sutherland failed to hold onto a return catch from Deol when she was on 45. The missed chances piled up, and Gujarat Giants capitalized on them. Deol’s 70-not-out-off 49 balls was a masterclass in chase-building, combining patience with aggression.
Dottin’s Explosive Finish and Gautam’s Winning Shot in WPL 2025
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Deol was well-supported by Deandra Dottin, who blasted 24 off a mere 10 balls. The equation reduced to 36 runs off 23 balls after the two players deposited some big shots, with Dottin thumping three boundaries in an over by Jess Jonassen.
Gujarat required 13 runs from the last seven balls when Kashvee Gautam stepped up to the plate. Gautam hit an important six off the last delivery of the 19th over, leaving only seven runs to be scored in the last over. Deol and Gautam finished the match with a four and a six, reaching the target in 19.3 overs.
Lanning’s Lone Battle
Meg Lanning’s 92 from 57 balls, with 15 fours, was a brilliant contribution for Delhi Capitals. Her innings, however, were not controversy-free. Lanning received two lifelines during her knock. The first was in the 12th over when Harleen Deol almost pulled off a miraculous catch at mid-off, but the ball went out of her hands. Lanning took advantage of this lifeline by dispatching a stunning inside-out six to reach her fifty.
Subsequently, confusion between Lanning and Sutherland might have resulted in Lanning being run out on 63, but a bad throw and missed pick meant she was able to carry on. Lanning was in her element after the powerplay, hitting boundaries with ease and continuing to be aggressive in her approach. Nevertheless, even though she was so brilliant, the lost opportunities did seem to plague the Capitals. Lanning’s innings was finally cut short when she was bowled by a leg cutter from Dottin in the last over.
Giants’ Tight Bowling Effort and Fielding Errors
Though Gujarat Giants’ batting was their strong point, their fielding and bowling left much to be desired. Some missed catches and misfields could have changed the game in favor of Delhi. But they restricted the Capitals’ middle order with Meghna Singh taking the lead with three wickets for 35 runs. Dottin also took two wickets for 37 runs.
Gujarat Giants Secure Crucial Win, Knock UP Warriorz Out
This win saw Gujarat Giants rise to second position on the WPL points table with 8 points, one point above Mumbai Indians based on a better net run rate (NRR). Although Mumbai has two games in hand, the win helped to greatly enhance the Giants’ playoff chances. For Delhi Capitals, the loss sees them remain in third place, but the rise of Gujarat Giants knocked out UP Warriorz from playoff contention.
The victory also sets up a key showdown between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians on March 10, 2025, in Mumbai, which can prove to be a turning point match in the battle for WPL 2025 playoff places.
A Game of Missed Opportunities and Brilliant Performances in WPL 2025
The game was a demonstration of Gujarat Giants’ resilience and ability to take chances. Despite fielding errors, they displayed remarkable composure in the chase, with Deol’s steady knock leading them across the line. The defeat, however, highlighted Delhi’s inability to make the most of the chances they were given.
Lanning’s exceptional knock was the lone bright spot, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. While the Giants continue their pursuit of a playoff spot, Delhi will need to pull themselves together and aim to finish their season strongly.
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