Cricket

Delhi Capitals Eye Direct WPL Final Qualification in Clash with Gujarat GiantsWith the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 playoffs looming, the Delhi Capitals are poised to take on the Gujarat Giants in their final league stage match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. The Capitals have already secured a berth in the playoffs with five wins and two losses, amassing 10 points.Jemimah Rodrigues, who played a pivotal role in Delhi's one-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore with a Player of the Match performance of 58 off 36 balls, expressed her confidence in the team's abilities. "I've been working hard and it's paying off. I'm glad I can contribute to the team's success," she said.Rodrigues, the eighth-highest run-getter in WPL 2024 with 197 runs in seven innings, has smashed two fifties, including a best score of 69*. She believes the team has recovered well from recent setbacks and is ready for the challenges ahead."We've had some close finishes, but those experiences will help us in the playoffs," she said. "Our approach remains the same: to keep improving and play good cricket."The Delhi Capitals will face the Gujarat Giants in their next match of the WPL 2024 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Rishabh Pant's Triumphant Return to Cricket Ignites Excitement Across IPL FranchisesStar wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's long-awaited return to competitive cricket has sent ripples of excitement through the Indian Premier League (IPL) and beyond. After a 15-month hiatus following a life-threatening road accident, Pant is set to resume his role as captain of the Delhi Capitals.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Pant's fitness in a statement, stating that he has undergone an extensive 14-month rehabilitation and recovery process. The news was met with an outpouring of joy and anticipation from IPL teams, who took to social media to express their excitement.Pant's return is a significant boost for the Delhi Capitals, who missed his leadership and explosive batting last season. The 26-year-old has been a key figure for the franchise since his debut in 2016, and his presence will undoubtedly bolster their chances of success in the upcoming IPL season.Beyond the IPL, Pant's return also has implications for the Indian national team. The wicketkeeper-batsman is a vital cog in India's T20 setup, and his availability could strengthen their chances at the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States.Pant's journey back to fitness has been arduous, but his determination and resilience have been evident throughout. After suffering multiple injuries in the December 2022 accident, he underwent intensive rehabilitation to regain his strength and mobility.The news of Pant's return has been met with widespread praise and admiration. Fans, teammates, and cricket experts alike have hailed his courage and determination. His comeback serves as an inspiration to all who have faced adversity and overcome challenges.As Pant prepares to step back onto the cricket field, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. His return promises to be a memorable moment for the sport and a testament to the indomitable spirit of one of India's most talented cricketers.

Delhi Capitals (DC) coach Ricky Ponting has shed light on the team's plans for the highly anticipated return of star player Rishabh Pant in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Pant, who has been recovering from a severe car accident in December 2022, is expected to make his comeback to professional cricket later this month.Ponting revealed the team's perspective, stating, "It's a big decision we'll have to make because if he is fit, you'd think he'd step straight back into that captaincy role." However, he added, "If he's not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we've got some decisions to make there."Assessing Pant's progress, Ponting noted, "He's actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us." He expressed confidence in Pant's physical readiness, asserting, "He's kept in one of those games, he's fielded in these games and the batting hasn't seemingly been an issue for him so far."Reflecting on Pant's journey, Ponting acknowledged the challenges the player has faced, stating, "We've obviously had worries and concerns that he might not have made it in time to be ready for the IPL this year." He added, "I mean, he was a huge loss for us last year and what he went through, we can't even begin to describe what he's been through the last 12 or 14 months."Expressing anticipation for Pant's return, Ponting remarked, "I want to see him back playing cricket again. I think the whole world wants to see him back playing cricket again and just playing with that youthful exuberance that he has." Ponting highlighted Pant's natural talent, stating, "Knowing Rishabh, it probably won't (take time to adjust) because he's such a natural talent."Ponting emphasized the importance of Pant maintaining his aggressive style of play, asserting, "I think he'll just go out there and certainly, that's my job anyway - I'll be telling him to go back out and play the way that he's always played."As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Pant's return, Ponting's insights offer a glimpse into the team's approach and expectations for the dynamic player in the IPL season.

Delhi Capitals Opt to Bat First Against Royal Challengers Bangalore in WPL ClashIn the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL), Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning continued her trend of choosing to bat first when they faced Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Lanning expressed confidence in the pitch, describing it as "pretty good" while acknowledging that there was "a little bit for the bowlers if you get in the right area."Delhi Capitals made a single change to their lineup, bringing back Marizanne Kapp in place of Annabel Sutherland. Lanning emphasized their strategy of fielding their strongest team in every match while considering the workload of their bowlers throughout the tournament.On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Smriti Mandhana also preferred to bat first but stated that she "didn't mind chasing" after witnessing Mumbai Indians' successful chase of 191 against Gujarat Giants the previous night. RCB handed a debut to Maharashtra's left-arm pacer Shradda Pokharkar, who replaced the injured Kanika Ahuja. They also made two other changes among their Indian players, bringing in Shreyanka Patil and Disha Kasat while leaving out S Meghana, Simran Bahadur, and Ekta Bisht. Their overseas contingent of Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, and Georgia Wareham remained unchanged.The pitch used for the match was the same as the one on Saturday, where a team chasing successfully broke a five-game streak of teams batting first winning in Delhi. A victory for Delhi Capitals would secure their place in the playoffs.

Deepti Sharma's All-Round Brilliance Powers UP Warriorz to Thrilling WPL VictoryIn a captivating encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Deepti Sharma's exceptional all-round performance propelled UP Warriorz to a nail-biting one-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League (WPL).Sharma's batting prowess was on full display as she anchored the Warriorz innings with a crucial 59 runs off 48 deliveries. Her innings was a blend of power and finesse, with boundaries flowing effortlessly from her bat. She forged a vital 46-run partnership with skipper Alyssa Healy, providing a solid foundation for the team's total of 138 for 8.However, it was Sharma's bowling that truly stole the show. In a historic moment, she became only the second player in WPL history to claim a hat-trick. Her victims were Annabel Sutherland, Anuradha Reddy, and Shikha Pandey, all dismissed in the penultimate over of the match.Delhi Capitals, chasing 139 for victory, looked poised to pull off the win thanks to Meg Lanning's brilliant 60. However, Sharma's hat-trick triggered a dramatic collapse, with Delhi losing their last seven wickets for just 44 runs.The final over was a tense affair, with Delhi needing 10 runs for victory. Grace Harris picked up two wickets, while a crucial run-out sealed the win for UP Warriorz.Sharma's all-round brilliance was the difference between the two sides. Her contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental in securing the victory for her team.

South African speedster Shabnim Ismail has etched her name in the annals of women's cricket history by becoming the first bowler to breach the 130kph barrier. During the Women's Premier League (WPL) match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, Ismail unleashed a thunderbolt that clocked in at an astonishing 132.1kph.This remarkable feat marks a significant milestone in the evolution of women's cricket, as it is the first time such a high speed has been recorded since the introduction of speed guns. Ismail's delivery was not only a testament to her exceptional pace but also a testament to the growing competitiveness and skill level in the women's game.Ismail's blistering delivery came in the third over of the match, targeting Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning. The ball was full and straight, narrowly missing Lanning's bat and striking her front pad. Mumbai appealed for leg before wicket (lbw), but the umpire turned down the appeal.Despite her impressive speed, Ismail struggled to find her rhythm in the match. Her first two overs yielded 14 runs, and she was punished by Shafali Verma, who smashed consecutive sixes off her bowling. However, Ismail managed to regain her composure and eventually dismissed Verma for 28, giving her an aggressive send-off.Ismail's record-breaking delivery is not an isolated incident. She has consistently showcased her exceptional pace throughout her career. In international cricket, she holds the record for the fastest delivery, having bowled at 128kph against West Indies in 2016. She also breached the 127kph mark twice in the 2022 ODI World Cup.Ismail's achievements are a testament to her dedication, hard work, and unwavering determination. She has become an inspiration for young cricketers around the world, proving that anything is possible with passion and perseverance.

DC vs MI, WPL 2024: Delhi Capitals Aim to Avenge Season-Opening LossDelhi Capitals (DC) will face off against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in a highly anticipated Women's Premier League (WPL) match on Tuesday in Delhi. The match will be a rematch of the season opener, which MI won by a comfortable margin.DC will be eager to avenge their defeat and secure their second win of the tournament. They come into the match on the back of a 25-run victory over Gujarat Giants, where opener Shafali Verma starred with a blistering 73 off 49 balls.MI, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their winning streak after defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 7 wickets in their previous outing. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the charge with an unbeaten 65, while young all-rounder Richa Ghosh chipped in with a crucial 41.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. DC will rely on the experience of Jemimah Rodrigues and Meg Lanning, while MI will look to their star-studded lineup featuring Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, and Sophia Dunkley.The key battle to watch will be between DC's bowling attack, led by Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Marizanne Kapp, and MI's powerful batting lineup. If DC can restrict MI's run-scoring, they will have a good chance of securing a victory.The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi and will start at 7:30 PM IST. Fans can watch the live action on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar.

Meg Lanning, the former Australian cricket captain, has emphasized the importance of enjoying the game after retiring from international cricket. In a recent press conference, Lanning expressed her desire to "have fun and enjoy cricket" while leading the Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League (WPL).Lanning, who retired in November 2023, believes that the pressure and expectations have diminished since her retirement. However, she remains competitive and determined to contribute to her team's success. "I still have the competitive edge when I need to," she said.The 31-year-old has found a supportive and enjoyable environment at Delhi Capitals. "The environment at Delhi is great, it's fun, it's really relaxed," she said. "We back each other to go and play to our strengths. It makes my job easier."Lanning's performance in the WPL has been impressive, with 148 runs in four matches, including two half-centuries. She attributes her success to her newfound freedom and enjoyment of the game. "I am just enjoying playing cricket," she said. "I feel like there's a little bit less pressure and expectation."Despite her retirement, Lanning has not yet fully processed the transition. "I actually haven't had a lot of time to do that [explore new things] yet," she said. "Once the tournament finishes, there will be a big chunk of time. It will probably hit me harder and you know, sort of come to terms with it a little bit more."Lanning is exploring various options for her future, but she is in no rush to make any decisions. "I can keep playing and keep being involved," she said. "When an opportunity pops up, I can take it."

Gujarat Giants' Hemalatha Ruled Out with Concussion, Satghare Makes History as First WPL Concussion SubstituteIn a significant development in the Women's Premier League (WPL), Gujarat Giants' middle-order batter D Hemalatha has been ruled out of the team's clash against Delhi Capitals due to a concussion. This marks the first instance of a concussion substitute being used in the WPL.Hemalatha sustained the injury while attempting to catch a high ball at deep midwicket during the 15th over of Delhi Capitals' innings. Jess Jonassen's powerful shot burst through Hemalatha's hands and struck her forehead, prompting immediate medical attention.Following the incident, Hemalatha was removed from the field and replaced by Sayali Satghare, a 23-year-old seam-bowling allrounder from Mumbai. Satghare's inclusion as a concussion substitute is a testament to the WPL's commitment to player safety and well-being.Satghare, who has represented Mumbai in domestic cricket, has impressive credentials. She recently scored a century against Arunachal Pradesh in the Senior Women's One Day Trophy and averaged 52 with the bat. She also claimed ten wickets in the competition.Gujarat Giants, who had lost three consecutive matches prior to the clash with Delhi Capitals, were hoping for a change in fortunes with Hemalatha's return to the lineup. However, her absence due to concussion has dealt a blow to their plans.The use of concussion substitutes in cricket has become increasingly common in recent years, with the aim of protecting players from the potential long-term effects of head injuries. The WPL's adoption of this practice is a positive step towards ensuring the safety of its athletes.