After a close defeat in the game against UP Warriorz, Meg Lanning and co. will look to turn things around and get back to winning ways as they take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the next clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
It is worth noting that the Delhi Capitals have maintained a 100 percent record versus RCB, completing a double against Smriti Mandhana’s team in 2023 and also registering a 25-run win earlier this season.
In our first outing of the 2024 season vs. RCB, Shafali Verma was a class apart, scoring 50 off 31 while Alice Capsey registered 46 off 33 balls. Jess Jonassen played the perfect cameo to score 36 off 16 balls and also claimed 3 wickets for 21 runs from 4 overs to be among the top performers in that clash.
With both heavyweights all set to lock horns again, here are some key things you need to know.
Players to watch out for
Meg Lanning
Lanning has been one of the best players to participate in the tournament. Heading into the game on the back of three consecutive half centuries, the seven-time World Champion is in the finest of forms.
Heading into the game after scoring four fifties in six innings, she has already recorded over 260 runs in the ongoing WPL 2024. The star from Down Under has also hit the most fours (35) in the tournament and will surely aim to get going against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Jess Jonassen
Jess Jonassen has easily been the standout player for the Delhi Capitals this season. With 10 wickets against her name, Jess Jonassen is the joint leading wicket-taker in the WPL 2024. She averages 9.5 while bowling at an economy of 5.9, which is the 2nd best amongst bowlers who have delivered 15+ overs in WPL 2024.
The Australian cricketer has taken wickets in each of the three phases of the game and has 19 wickets in her WPL career already. She will be raring to get back on the pitch and look to keep hold of the purple cap.
Radha Yadav
Alongside Jonassen, Radha Yadav has picked up the most wickets (10) in the WPL 2024 so far. Bowling with an economy of 6.9 in the ongoing WPL season, she has been among the most economical Indian bowlers in the tournament. With Radha yet to pick up a wicket against RCB in the WPL, she will be eager to improve her record and get going at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Key Player Battles
Meg Lanning vs Asha Sobhana
Despite being at her destructive best, Lanning has struggled against Sobhana and registered a mere strike rate of 127 while losing her wicket once to the spinner in two innings.
Heading into the game with a purple patch of form, Lanning will surely be eager to improve her record against the RCB bowler. Easily one of the most in-form players right now, it remains interesting how Lanning manages to fare in the upcoming clash.
Marizanne Kapp vs. Smriti Mandhana
One of the best-in-form batters for RCB, Smriti Mandhana, has been in fine touch this tournament. Similarly, Kapp has been one of the standout bowlers for us and has played a crucial role in getting important break thoughts at the top for the team.
The Proteas star has dismissed Mandhana once in three innings, while the Indian batter boasts a strike rate of 162 against her counterpart. This battle right at the start of an inning will surely be an enticing encounter.
Shikha Pandey vs Sophie Devine
The DC speedster has an excellent record against her opponent. Not only has Sikha managed to reduce Devine's strike rate against her to a mere 113, she has also sent her back in the hut, once in three head-to-head clashes. It wouldn't come as a surprise if Lanning trusted Shikha to work wonders with the ball against the RCB opener.
Where to watch:
Match Details: March 3, 7:30 PM IST | M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Watch LIVE: Sports 18/JioCinema.
