A new champion will be crowned on Sunday in what seems to be the perfect setting for the Women's Premier League 2024 Final. Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore have stormed into the title clash of the WPL 2024 following a roller coaster journey, which has seen some high-octane showdowns along the way.
The summit clash at the Qila Kotla will mark our consecutive appearance in the WPL final. Having been so close to the trophy last time around, our girls are pumped up to go one better this time. Let's have a look at all that you need to know ahead of this highly anticipated finale.
Head to Head:
DC 4 - 0 RCB
We have had a good record until so far against the Bangalore side and have an unbeaten record against them. The last encounter which also took place at Qila Kotla, was a last-ball thriller where our DC girls got over the line winning by just one run.
Players to watch out for:
Meg Lanning
Meg Lanning is the second-highest run-getter in WPL 2024, with the Aussie superstar amassing 308 runs so far, just four runs behind Ellyse Perry. She has led the team from the front while forming a strong opening partnership with Shafali Verma at the top. The 31-year-old superstar will be eager to end the WPL 2024 campaign on a high by walking away with the orange cap as well as the WPL trophy, which will add another star to her arm.
Marizanne Kapp
The Proteas all-rounder heads into the match donning the purple cap, claiming 11 wickets in six matches. Her fiery spells have troubled her opponents throughout the season, especially with the new ball. Entering the final on the back of an excellent campaign, Kapp will hope to replicate her performances and aim for glory. Her outing in the WPL final could have a major impact, considering she has previously been player of the match in the final of multiple T20 leagues.
Jess Jonassen
A complete all-rounder in every sense, Jess Jonassen has been sensational this year. She is the joint-highest wicket-taker for the team and has come up with match-winning performances time and again. From playing quick-fire cameos to taking wickets at crucial stages or being a live wire on the field, Jess does it all. The 31-year-old cricketer has been a vital cog for the team.
Key Player Battles
Shafali Verma vs Renuka Singh
Shafali Verma has been in excellent touch heading into the game after a blazing half century against Gujarat Giants. Playing with an aggressive approach, she will look to continue her attacking game against Renuka Singh.
Verma has a strike rate of 153 against the RCB pacer and will look to continue boasting such an excellent record. Renuka, on the other end, will be tasked with sending Verma packing, making it a battle to watch out for.
Alice Capsey vs Asha Shobana
Two of the most consistent players in WPL 2024 will lock horns for the third time this season. Capsey has a strike rate of 181 against Sobhana, who has taken the most wickets for RCB in the ongoing season. Given how Capsey has gone about smashing spinners in the middle overs, a lot depends on this matchup.
Shikha Pandey vs Sophie Devine
The DC speedster has been a standout player throughout the season. She has an excellent record against Sophie Devine, with the RCB batter registering a mere strike rate of 113 against Pandey. Given the record in head-to-head clashes, Lanning is likely to trust Shikha with the ball against the RCB opener. It remains interesting to see which player will come out on top when it matters the most.
Where to watch:
Match Details: March 17, 7:30 PM IST | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
Watch LIVE: Sports 18/JioCinema.
