Follow UsDelhi Capitals (DC) have yet another crack at winning the Women's Premier League (WPL) title when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday (March 17) in Delhi. They fell short in the previous edition and look to make amends this time around. However, it will not be easy as they come up against a determined Smriti Mandhana-led side, who have played terrific cricket in crunch moments.
DC captain Meg Lanning says she will not be surprised to see another crazy game, given that we have witnessed many in the tournament already. “It’s going to be a cracking game. We’re really pumped for it, and excited to be involved. We’re looking forward to taking it on and hopefully playing our best game of the tournament," Lanning said ahead of the WPL final.
“We’ve seen throughout the tournament that there’s been some crazy cricket, some crazy finishes, so I’m expecting nothing less tomorrow. We’re coming up against RCB who have played some excellent cricket. They’ve shown that they’re able to play some great cricket when they’re under the pump. It’s a great challenge for our group and I’ve got full confidence that we’ll be able to deliver."
Mandhana has never really hid her admiration of Lanning, who she has been in awe of since watching her bat in 2016. "The 2016 tour was the first time I was playing Australia in Australia and I remember she had properly flicked a pace bowler over fine leg for a six, and I was like 'oh, that's some shot!," Mandhana recalled.
"Oh, she's spoken really nicely about me, so I better go back with it," Lanning said sarcastically.
"She's on her own leadership journey as well, I guess, going through the ups and downs, and it sounds like Smriti is really starting to understand the ins and outs of that and, obviously, has done an excellent job with RCB this year."
There is clearly mutual respect between the two captains. However, when the coin goes up on Sunday, all the focus will be to pip the other team to win their maiden WPL crown. "I think we give a lot of importance to the role of captain. The captain is only as good as her team," Mandhana said.
"Nothing changes tomorrow as well. We are playing a good Delhi Capitals side which has played some amazing cricket not just this season but also last season.
"One thing cricket has taught us is that it is important to live in the present, that what's going to happen. I don't think I will be thinking - or any of the teammates, nor did I ever have a chat with any of the other Indian team-mates about how we outsmart them. It's just about playing good cricket on that day."
Lanning agreed with Mandhana, and further added, "It's about the team we are coming up against. My prep doesn't change depending on who we are playing. For me it is about going in being as prepared as I can be, as we can be as a team. I have played a lot of cricket now, and have learnt that no matter how much planning you do, the game always pans out differently than you think and you have got to be able to adapt on the run and think on your feet."