Meg Lanning credits DC bowlers for sensational MI thumping

Delhi Capitals skipper Meg Lanning was full of praise for her side’s bowling unit as they toppled table-toppers in sensational fashion at the DY Patil Stadium on Monday to go top of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 standings and put themselves in pole position to directly enter Sunday’s final at the Brabourne Stadium. 

The Capitals entered Monday’s clash second, behind Mumbai on both points and Net Run Rate (NRR), but a stunning 9-wicket rout saw them end the day as table-toppers. That they took their NRR above Mumbai was partly down to the intent they showed with the bat, chasing 110 in just 9 overs, but Lanning put the victory down to the bowlers, who restricted MI’s power-packed batting line-up to just 109/8 in 20 overs.

“I think the bowler's did it for us tonight, to restrict them to about 100 was great,” Lanning said at the post-match presentation.

“It was a great game, hard to fault much. We got off well with the bowl, Kapp got us to a great start again and to chase down like that was brilliant.”

DC’s victory was set-up by South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp, whose flawless first two overs (2-0-6-2) rattled MI, and skipper Lanning was full of praise for the 33-year-old. With her two-wicket haul on Monday, Kapp took her season’ tally to 9 to become DC’s second-highest wicket-taker.

“She's very talented, always eager to play well and to see her perform so well, very pleased for her,” Lanning said.

Kapp, though, named Player of the Match for her efforts, refused to take all the credit and insisted that the day belonged to not just her, but the entire bowling unit.

“To be honest, the whole bowling group deserves this award,” Kapp said.

“Everyone bowled well today. On this wicket, everytime we win the toss I want to bowl first because the ball does quite a bit. Just happy with the win and the performance. 

“I think the more I play, the more I read the wicket and my bowling gets better. The catches this team has been taking has been amazing. 

“Been a while since I've seen a performance like this, and the team has been working really hard and well together.”

The Capitals take on UP Warriorz in their final group game of the season on Tuesday. With a resounding win, they will qualify directly for Sunday’s final, granted they continue to keep their NRR ahead of Mumbai.