Vadodara, Feb 3 (NationPress) Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner acknowledged that her team suffered significantly due to a slow start with the ball, as Delhi Capitals secured a convincing seven-wicket win. However, she highlighted the positives from their journey, expressing pride in stating that this is the ‘most balanced side’ they have ever had. She emphasized the rise of young Indian talents like Anushka Sharma, alongside seasoned players such as Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Sophie Devine.

Even after setting a competitive score of 168/7, boosted by a resilient Beth Mooney and a crucial middle-overs partnership with Georgia Wareham, Gujarat found themselves on the back foot as Delhi's aggressive approach in the powerplay took charge. Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma capitalized on any loose deliveries, racing to 75 runs within the first six overs, effectively laying the groundwork for their chase.

“We felt that our total was sufficient if we bowled well,” Gardner reflected post-match. “However, a poor start in the powerplay, without taking wickets or restricting runs, allowed the opposing team to gain confidence, and they executed their plan excellently today.”

Gardner pointed out that missed execution and failure to maintain pressure were pivotal, especially in the humid conditions that made control challenging. “Once the dew settles in, the ball can slide off if you miss the stumps,” she explained. “Unfortunately, we missed the stumps too often tonight, giving away too many early free hits.”

Delhi maintained their grip after the initial partnership, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt guiding the chase smoothly through the middle overs. Despite Wareham’s brief revival for Gujarat with two wickets, Gardner admitted her team couldn’t sustain that momentum for long.

“Georgia set the tone with her opening over, taking those two key wickets,” she noted. “But we just couldn’t keep that going for extended periods, which is disappointing.”

Earlier, Gujarat's innings was built around Mooney’s resilience after early setbacks. Losing Sophie Devine and falling to 48/3 at the end of the powerplay put the Giants under pressure, before the keeper-batter and Wareham crafted a stabilizing partnership.

“It was probably not the best start. Mooney did an incredible job of rescuing the innings with Georgia,” Gardner stated.

Despite the defeat, Gardner remained reflective and optimistic about the overall campaign, emphasizing the Giants’ development and balance as a team. “This might be the most balanced Giants side we’ve ever had,” she claimed.

“We’ve discovered remarkable talent. Look at someone like Anushka Sharma, she’s fit in effortlessly. At just 22 years old, batting at No. 3, she’s performed like she belongs in international cricket. And then there’s Rajeshwari, who brings invaluable experience. The Indian players are crucial in winning these competitions, and Sophie Devine has been exceptional throughout the campaign,” the skipper added.

“There are numerous reasons to be proud. We faced a challenging start in the WPL, winning few games, but making back-to-back finals over two years is a significant achievement. There are many positives and lessons to carry forward,” Gardner concluded.

For Gujarat, the loss signified a disappointing end to a promising season, overshadowed by Delhi’s powerplay dominance and clinical chase. Moving forward, Gardner and her team aim to retain their core group and, as she stated, “strive for better results next year.”

With this victory, Delhi Capitals secured their place in the WPL final for the fourth consecutive season.