Giants ambush Capitals in a low-scoring thriller, remain in the hunt for playoffs

Mumbai

The scores of 200 and above are increasingly becoming a distant memory at the Women’s Premier League. But the fans — or the bowlers — are not complaining.

The Brabourne Stadium on Thursday night witnessed one of the most exciting matches of the tournament as Gujarat Giants registered a much-needed victory over Delhi Capitals. Sneh Rana’s side won the low-scoring encounter by 11 runs.

It was only the second defeat for Capitals, which has looked second best only to Mumbai Indians. It looked like Capitals would pull off a memorable win when Arundhati Reddy (25, 17b, 4x4) played a cameo down the order; and it was her first innings in the competition.

Capitals’ hopes had faded when Marizanne Kapp (36, 29b, 4x4, 1x6) was run out in the 14th over. When Radha Yadav fell for one, the score read 100 for eight. However, Shikha Pandey gave solid support to Arundhati, the two adding 35 for the ninth wicket.

But Kim Garth removed Arundhati with the final delivery of the 18th over. The batter could not time her shot over the infield on the off-side and ended up giving a catch to Sneh.

Ashleigh Gardner dismissed Poonam Yadav to cap a fine night. She had earlier added 81 for the third wicket with Laura Wolvaardt (57, 45b, 6x4, 1x6).