Meg Lanning’s experience is visible in the way she plays: Reema Malhotra

The Delhi Capitals won their first home game of the WPL 2024, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, picking up a 29-run win as the Mumbai Indians failed to chase the 193-run target set for them. JioCinema and Sports18 WPL experts Reema Malhotra and Sushma Verma discussed the match-winning performances of Jemimah Rodrigues (69* runs), Meg Lanning (53 runs), and Jess Jonassen (3/21) on ‘Match Center Live’.

Excerpts:

Reema Malhotra on Meg Lanning - "Whenever we talk about Meg Lanning and Jemimah Rodrigues, there are many similarities in their technique and skill, which suits this wicket. When you let the ball come to you and use your feet on a low bounce wicket like this, as they say 'bend your back', that's how you put up runs. She's (Lanning) the No. 1 batter, plays in the No. 1 position, is a captain, and leads from the front. She may have retired from international cricket, but her experience is visible in the way she plays. There's a lot to learn from her, and to everyone who's playing with her, try to absorb as much knowledge as you can."

Also read: Meg Lanning opens up as Delhi Capitals finish Bengaluru leg on top

Sushma Verma on Jemimah Rodrigues - "When she was asked if she was pleased with her batting today, she made it clear that she was happy about the team win. That showed what a big ‘team player’ she is. When she's in a rough spell, we criticize her form because we are used to seeing major contributions from her. I hope that Jemimah continues batting like this. She discussed not going for big shots because she knows her strength lies in timing the ball. The six she hit on a bouncer after shuffling is the best shot, I have seen from the box. She went for timing instead of power and got distance as well... These conditions are favourable for Jemimah and she proved it."

Also read: Reading conditions is also an art and Jemimah emerged as an artist: Reema Malhotra

Verma on Jess Jonassen - "She has similar stats at the international level. Last season, she was very impactful for the Delhi Capitals and keeps proving her worth. The big-name players always show their presence through their performances. It is one of the biggest learnings for young and budding Indian players about how to maintain their composure in the game and deliver in a game."