WPL 2025: DC head coach aims for direct finals spot
What's the story
Delhi Capitals (DC) face the Gujarat Giants in their final Women's Premier League 2025 league match on Friday at Lucknow's Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Having secured a playoff spot, DC now aim to top the table for direct final qualification.
Head coach Jonathan Batty emphasized that despite making the playoffs, their job isn't done yet as they prepare for this clash.
Speaking on the eve of the match, Batty said, "The job is not done yet," as per ANI.
Here's more.
Table leaders
DC leads points table ahead of final league match
Delhi Capitals currently top the points table with five wins, two losses, and 10 points.
They recently faced Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in back-to-back matches before a short break.
"We were very front-loaded with our games, especially during the Bengaluru leg. Players' workload is something that we have to take care of and focus on not getting injured," he stated.
"It is really nice to have a few days rest and recovery to recharge, re-energise," he further added.
Rising star
Batty praises young talent N Sree Charani
Batty also praised young player N Sree Charani for her impressive debut match against RCB where she took two wickets.
He said, "We had our eyes on her since last season when our scouts flagged her to us. She has been hugely impressive from when we arrived in Pune for the pre-season camp, and it's good to see the kind of performance she put up on her debut."
Opponent's strength
Gujarat Giants pose a strong challenge for DC
Gujarat Giants, DC's final league match opponent, are currently second on the points table.
They arrive for this match after a convincing victory over UP Warriors.
Batty acknowledged the strength of Gujarat Giants saying, "They have got a wonderful batting line-up and restricting their batters is going to be the key to the game."
This sets up an exciting showdown as both teams vie for top honors in WPL 2025.
Top performers
A look Delhi's top performers so far
Shafali Verma leads the Delhi batters with 260 runs across seven innings at 43.33.
Notably, she is also coming off a brilliant 80* off 43 balls in their win against RCB. She is trailed by Meg Lanning, who owns 171 runs across seven innings at 28.50.
Meanwhile, with the ball, Shikha Pandey leads the list with nine scalps in seven innings at 20.11.
Jess Jonassen follows Pandey, having bagged nine wickets in six matches at 19.
Match recap
Delhi Capitals secure playoff spot with dominant victory
As mentioned, the Delhi Capitals have qualified for the WPL 2025 playoffs after a thumping nine-wicket victory over RCB.
The match saw DC chase down a target of 148, ending at 151 for 1 in only 15.3 overs.
Verma and Jonassen played a key role in the win, scoring unbeaten 80 and 61, respectively.
Their efforts took DC to their second consecutive win this season.
However, RCB suffered their fourth consecutive home defeat this season.