Vadodara, Feb 4 (NationPress) Captain Jemimah Rodrigues of the Delhi Capitals praised her team's faith, composed decision-making, and a united bowling performance after they clinched a spot in the fourth successive Women’s Premier League (WPL) final with a decisive seven-wicket victory against the Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator on Tuesday at the BCA Stadium (Kotambi).

“This finals feels different for sure. But also I think with GG, the last two games didn’t go our way. We were…. In the last over we needed seven runs, today we won by seven wickets. So I think when you just keep believing as a team, magic happens,” Jemimah expressed during the post-match presentation after being awarded the Player of the Match.

Delhi’s impressive chase of 168 runs in just 15.4 overs highlighted their increasing dominance in knockout matches. This victory marked their first win against Gujarat after facing three consecutive defeats and continued a remarkable trend; all of Delhi’s five wins this season have come while pursuing targets. This result also made Delhi the first team to reach four consecutive WPL finals, following Meg Lanning's leadership in the previous three editions.

Jemimah disclosed that there was no major tactical change ahead of this crucial match, emphasizing the importance of simplicity over unnecessary complexity. “Nothing. To be honest, nothing. Even our team meeting was very short today,” she stated. “I think we just thought of not overthinking it or trying too hard. Just sit back, trust each other, trust yourself, go out there, play good cricket, and when you do things the right way and stay calm, things fall into place.”

While the chase was the highlight of the match, Jemimah was quick to give credit to her bowlers, who held Gujarat to 168/7 despite a determined innings from Beth Mooney. “I think a lot of credit goes to our bowlers. Kappy, I’m saying this, our bowlers won us the game today,” she affirmed. “But to be honest, they make me look good as a captain. You know, it’s easy to set a field, it’s easy to make bowling changes, but you’ve got to still go out there and deliver. And everyone’s been delivering.”

Delhi’s run chase faced a brief challenge when both openers were dismissed in the same over, but Jemimah said the team remained composed. “Yeah, I think today was restoration for us. I would just say that,” she remarked. “And to be honest, the way Shafali and Lee batted from both ends, you know, if they bat that way, it’s very hard for a bowling team. Where do you bowl? So I’m so glad both of them are in my team.”

She added that her partnership with Laura Wolvaardt was based on clarity rather than the pressure of the scoreboard. “At the same time, two wickets falling creates a lot of pressure, but I admire how both Wolfie and I just kept playing good, positive cricket. We didn’t worry too much about the score again. We played according to merit and focused on our strengths.

Jemimah also reflected on her batting strategy, admitting she had intentionally moved away from over-preparation. “I think I was doing one thing, I was trying way too hard. And the last two games, I just let go,” she explained. “It’s like the butterfly, the more desperate you are, the further it goes away. But the more you just let go, it comes and sits on your shoulder.”

With Delhi gearing up for yet another final, Jemimah emphasized that the focus would remain on staying refreshed and maintaining simple strategies. “One more game to go,” she remarked. “We’re going to keep our plans simple, keep being positive, but yeah, one more game to go, then we’ll celebrate.”