Vadodara, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Delhi Capitals Women showcased an impressive all-round display to triumph over the Gujarat Giants Women by seven wickets, effortlessly chasing down a challenging target, thanks to a meticulous batting performance led by Lizelle Lee and Jemimah Rodrigues. This victory propelled them into the tournament's final for the fourth time in a row.

Faced with Gujarat’s score of 168/7, Delhi asserted their dominance swiftly. The opening pair of Lee and Shafali Verma ignited the innings with an aggressive powerplay, amassing 75 runs in the initial six overs.

Lee was particularly punishing against loose deliveries, finding the boundary with ease, while Shafali provided excellent support. Their opening partnership of 89 runs was interrupted in the eighth over when Lee was dismissed lbw by Georgia Wareham for a brisk 43 off 24 balls, featuring eight fours and a six.

Shafali followed shortly after for 31 off 21 balls, but this brief setback did not hinder Delhi’s progress. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues took the reins, skillfully rotating the strike before unleashing an array of shots against the spinners. Laura Wolvaardt provided steady support, ensuring the chase remained on course.

Rodrigues’ innings of 41 off just 23 deliveries, adorned with four boundaries and a six, effectively sealed Gujarat's fate. Upon her dismissal with the team at 160/3 in the 15th over, Delhi was already near their target. Wolvaardt remained not out on 32 off 24 balls, while Marizanne Kapp contributed a quick finish as Delhi reached 169/3 with 26 balls remaining.

Previously, Gujarat Giants managed to score 168/7, facing pressure from disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Their innings was anchored by wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney, who remained unbeaten with a composed 62 off 51 balls. After a cautious start and early losses, including Sophie Devine and a critical double strike that left Gujarat at 48/3 at the powerplay's end, Mooney steadied the innings with her patience and control.

A crucial partnership of 61 runs with Wareham in the mid-overs revitalized Gujarat’s hopes, complemented by late contributions from both Wareham and Kashvee Gautam, who scored a brisk 18 off 10 balls, pushing the total into a competitive range. Chinelle Henry was the standout bowler for Delhi, taking three wickets and consistently breaking partnerships.

Despite Gujarat's resilience, Delhi’s firepower proved overwhelming. The convincing seven-wicket victory secured their spot in the final, where the four-time finalists will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a rematch of the WPL 2024 final.

Brief Scores: Gujarat Giants 168/7 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 62*, Georgia Wareham 35; Chenille Henry 3/35, Nandni Sharma 2/44) lost to Delhi Capitals (Lizelle Lee 43, Jemimah Rodrigues 41, Laura Wolvaardt 32, Shafali Verma 31; Georgia Wareham 2-28) by seven wickets.