Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz, Match 5 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

The 5th match of the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 saw Delhi Capitals take on UP Warriorz in what promised to be a thriller. Both teams were coming into the game with wins behind them.

Delhi Capitals got just the start that they needed, as they were able to notch up 211 runs on the scoreboard after 20 overs. In reply, UP Warriorz were unable to react well as they failed to chase the target, and Delhi won the game by 42 runs. Following their comfortable victory, let us have a look at the talking points from the game.

Meg Lanning’s class:

Delhi Capitals scoring 211 runs on the scoreboard was predominantly due to the fabulous innings from skipper Meg Lanning. She truly played a captain’s knock as she scored 70 runs off 42 deliveries and propelled her side to a massive score, which was integral to their win.

Tahlia McGrath’s fightback:

As Up Warriorz attempted to chase the mammoth target, it was Tahlia Mcgrath’s unbeaten knock of 90 off 50 balls that gave the side some hope. Despite her innings not being enough in the end, the team went down fighting and will look to improve in the upcoming matches.

The Grace Harris factor:

In a rather controversial decision, UP Warriorz decided to bench Grace Harris for their clash against Delhi Capitals. Harris was exceptional in the team’s win against Gujarat Giants and some questions could be asked that if Harris had been in the line-up, the situation could have been different for UP Warriorz.

Winning skipper Meg Lanning said:

Nice start to the tournament. Batting was great. Jess and Jemimah did a great job. Bowling wise, we took early wickets, so that certainly helps. (Batting, personal) Thoroughly enjoyed batting in India. Good wickets here, ball goes well along the ground.... so far so good. (So many 200+ scores) It is not surprising. When Australia have toured India, they are pretty high scoring. Will be interesting to see the scores as we play more games at the same stadium. (Getting to know the Indian players) Little bit. It has been pretty quick and enjoyable. Everyone has been friendly. (Orange cap) Hopefully for a few more games.

Losing skipper Alyssa Healy said:

That's T20 cricket. We conceded 65 in the last five and then lost three wickets in the powerplay. (Anything you want to change?) I don't think so. We would've killed for Grace at that situation in the end but I thought Ismail was great at the top and did everything asked of her. It is tough when you have five great international players. We gave too many in the run, 180-ish we would've liked to chase. McGrath was great. (Her own batting strategy) We knew we had to come firing. But maybe a little too lose in that over to Jono. We just needed someone to go at more than a run a ball with McGrath. T-Mac was amazing. (Direction now?) Positives are we are doing many things well but letting ourselves down in small areas. In a short tournament, it is about mindset more about trying to fix. Fielding, few areas with the ball."

Player of the Match Jess Jonassen said:

Tonight it was probably Jess the batter. I went for a few more runs with the ball today. Enjoying with Delhi Capitals. (Enjoying this role?) Something I love, batting. I do it in my domestic league as well in Australia. Wicket was incredible. (Bowling to Healy) She definitely hits me a lot in the nets so good to get one up over her. McGrath got one-up over me. Always enjoyable to play fellow Australians.