Grace Harris in action during her whirlwind innings vs GG (wplt20)
The Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals (DC-W) will lock horns with Alyssa Healy’s UP Warriorz (UP-W) in the fifth game of the Women's Premier (WPL 2023). The match is scheduled for 7th March at the high-scoring Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, and one could expect another run-fest.
DC-W Preview
The Delhi side could not have asked for a better start to the tournament. They crushed Smriti Mandhana’s Bangalore by 60 runs in their season opener. Shafali Verma’s robust hitting coupled with Lanning’s masterclass, allowed the Capitals to post a 200-plus score. Marizanne Kapp and Jemimah Rodrigues lend the finishing touches to the total, taking the game away from RCB's grasp. Furthermore, USA’s Tara Norris proved her selection in the XI as the fifth overseas player with a fifer.
Against UP-W, the Delhi management would want a better show with the ball from India-regulars in Shikha Pandey and Radha Yadav. Their middle order will also be tested if the opening pair fails to muster a sound partnership.
UP-W Preview
UP’s opening game against Gujarat Giants was all about the Grace-Harris show. Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat for the Warriorz, Harris let her brute force on full display. Kiran Navgire’s half-century also spells good news for UP, and so does Sophie Ecclestone’s all-around show.
For their second game of the tournament, eyes will be on skipper Healy and the U-19 prodigy Shweta Sehrawat. The duo failed in the first game, and UP’s success depends on this opening pair.
Match Details
Date and Time: March 7, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Live Streaming/Telecast: Sports18, Jio Cinema
Pitch Report: The two games played at the DY Patil Sports Academy have been high-scoring affairs and this game should not be any different. On this batting paradise, the bowlers have no choice but to stick to the basics and rely on variations and change of pace.
Probable XI
DC-W: Shafali Verma, Meg Lanning (c), Marizanne Kapp, Jemimah Rodrigues, Alice Capsey, Jess Jonassen, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Tara Norris
UP-W: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Shweta Sehrawat, Tahlia McGrath, Deepti Sharma, Grace Harris, Simran Shaikh, Kiran Navgire, Devika Vaidya, Sophie Ecclestone, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Keeper: Alyssa Healy
Batters: Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, Grace Harris, Kiran Navgire, Jemimah Rodrigues
All-rounders: Marizanne Kapp, Deepti Sharma
Bowlers: Sophie Ecclestone, Tara Norris, Jess Jonassen
Captain: Meg Lanning
Vice-captain: Sophie Ecclestone
Prediction
Expect a close encounter between the two unbeaten sides, with Delhi holding an edge due to a strong top-order presence.
 "Nidhi Lohia")
