WPL 2025: Jonassen Praises 146-Run Partnership with Shafali, Calls It a 'Slogging Masterclass'
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Synopsis
In the latest match of WPL 2025, Jess Jonassen shone with a stellar 61 runs, partnering with Shafali Verma for a 146-run stand, leading the Delhi Capitals to the playoffs for the third straight year. RCB faced disappointment at home, with skipper Smriti Mandhana expressing regret to the fans.
Key Takeaways
- Jonassen and Shafali formed a 146-run partnership.
- Shafali scored 80 runs off 43 balls.
- Jonassen contributed 61 runs from 38 deliveries.
- Bengaluru's home team RCB failed to win any matches.
- Skipper Mandhana apologized to fans for the losses.
Bengaluru, March 1 (NationPress) Australia all-rounder Jess Jonassen delivered yet another impressive performance at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, teaming up with opener Shafali Verma to forge a remarkable 146-run partnership, propelling the Delhi Capitals into the playoffs for the third consecutive time.
The 21-year-old Indian opener unleashed a powerful 80 off just 43 balls, striking the boundary eight times and clearing it four times as well, while the Aussie secured her second successive half-century with a solid 61 runs from 38 deliveries, featuring nine boundaries and one six.
After the match, Jess expressed her enjoyment of batting alongside Shafali, humorously mentioning that their aggressive play that evening was a ‘lesson in slogging to the leg side.’
“It was probably a lesson in slogging to the leg side. Having someone like Shafali at the other end was really nice. The left-right combination was effective, preventing them from settling into their rhythm. They occasionally missed straight to me. With a slightly shorter boundary, I was pleased to take advantage of it.
“I anticipated some swing early, and the pitch was holding a touch. We just needed to play straight and stay calm. We fell behind in the initial overs, but I kept encouraging her to be clever, and she reminded me to hit straight. I always enjoy batting with her,” Jonassen remarked.
This performance marked the Aussie all-rounder’s second consecutive fifty, following her achievement in the previous game against Mumbai on Friday.
In contrast, RCB faced disappointment as they concluded their home leg of the Women's Premier League (WPL) without securing any victories, as the tournament now moves to Ekana Stadium in Lucknow starting Monday for the next phase.
Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana offered her apologies to the supporters at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, who fervently chanted her name despite the defeat. “I just want to say sorry; they turned out in large numbers. We couldn’t secure a win for them in Bengaluru, but in cricket, it’s essential to move on. We must forget that and look ahead. Their chants signify they are the best fans in the world,” Smriti stated.
