Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 26: Delhi Capitals' Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen was taken by surprise when she was promoted to No.3 in the batting order, but she made the most of the opportunity with an unbeaten 61, guiding her team to a six-wicket win over Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 on Tuesday.
Jonassen, who also contributed with the ball, picking 1-24, played a match-winning knock of 61* off 32 balls. Her explosive innings, combined with a solid 74-run second-wicket stand alongside Shafali Verma (44 off 27), helped Delhi Capitals chase down Gujarat Giants’ target of 128 in just 15.1 overs, with 29 balls to spare.
Delhi Capitals' victory was built on a disciplined bowling performance. Marizanne Kapp (2-17) and Shikha Pandey (2-18) provided early breakthroughs, while Annabel Sutherland (2-20) struck in the middle overs, restricting Gujarat Giants to 127/9. Despite a late flourish from Bharti Fulmani (40* off 29, 4 fours, 2 sixes), the Giants could not put up a competitive total.
Jonassen, who was adjudged Player of the Match, expressed delight at being given a chance to bat higher up the order.
"Loved it. Bit surprised by the opportunity, but always happy to take it. Had a bit of luck early, but that's part of the T20 game. With the new ball, for the seamers, there was a bit of shape early. It’s huge to be shown confidence, and it was nice that it came off," she said.
She also praised the team’s well-balanced squad, highlighting the contributions of senior players like Kapp and young talents like Titas Sadhu.
"It's amazing; we've got almost all bases covered. Kapp is world-class and showed that again. Sadhu, coming in for her first game, took a wicket. It’s good to know that in key situations, we have players stepping up," Jonassen added.
Delhi Capitals' skipper Meg Lanning was happy with her team’s strong response after their defeat to UP Warriorz in the previous match.
"We bounced back really nicely. Kappy and Shikha took wickets upfront, which made things easier. There’s been a little bit there for the bowlers; a bit of nibble. It’s just about improving each game and tightening areas where we haven't nailed things yet," Lanning said.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in the upcoming matches.
"We need to keep winning. As a bowling group, if you put the ball in the right areas, there's a bit for you. Feel like we've been improving all the time. It’s nice when something comes off like that [on promoting Jonassen to No. 3]," she concluded.
With this dominant win, Delhi Capitals continue their push for a strong finish in WPL 2025.