The Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Mumbai Indians (MI), are two of the most successful teams in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL).
The two teams are only separated in the standings by net run rate and have yet to lose a match in the tournament.
DC has been the most successful with the bat, scoring more than 200 runs in both of their matches thus far. The Orange Cap holder, skipper Meg Lanning, leads the way in run scoring, but the rest of the batting line-up has also made notable contributions.
They have risen to the top of the table thanks to their overall displays. They started the season with a record victory over the Gujarat Giants (GG), and they continued their momentum with a stunning victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The team already appears to be functioning as a real unit, and the players have performed admirably with responsibility.
On paper, the matchup at the top of the table looks very intriguing, and it will undoubtedly be an exciting one on the field as well.
In light of this, let’s take a look at the three-player battles to keep an eye out for in WPL 2023’s DC vs. MI matchup.
#1 Meg Lanning vs Saika Ishaque
A battle between the Purple Cap holder and Orange Cap holder of the WPL is being planned.
Meg Lanning, who has been bowled out by spin twice in two matches, will face Saika Ishaque, the competition’s best spinner.
So far in the WPL, the MI left-arm spinner has been phenomenal, starting with four wickets and adding two more during a potent spell against the RCB.
She can also bowl with the new ball, so when the two teams meet on the field, she will be looking for the DC captain’s prized wicket.
#2 Shafali Verma vs Nat Sciver-Brunt
Shafali Verma started the WPL campaign on a high note by defeating RCB by an impressive 84 runs.
In DC’s subsequent encounter, she appeared to be in good spirits, but all-rounder Tahlia McGrath ended her rampage.
Shafali faces the next obstacle in the form of Nat Sciver-Brunt, an additional all-rounder. In all aspects, the English international has had a sensational start to the WPL. Sharing the new ball with Issy Wong, she has already taken three wickets.
When Shafali is at her best in the powerplay, she will face Nat Sciver-Brunt, whose power with the new ball could set the tone for the game. This will be a stunning battle.
#3 Hayley Matthews vs Shikha Pandey
The West Indies international, who was signed at the WPL Auction for just 40 lahks, has already been one of the best buys in the WPL.
She also demonstrated her presence with the ball, placing second in the Orange Cap standings.
DC, on the other hand, will be concerned about her bat right now because she has dominated both powerplays and is currently the competition’s leading six-hitter.
Shikha Pandey, a seasoned seamstress, may serve as the DC’s foil to Hayley Matthews.
The establishment will trust that she could get the ball to swing around on the green surface, which was on offer for the past game, and make an early leap forward.
Meg Lanning played flawlessly on the green surface and dealt with Shabnim Ismail’s threat quite well.
If Matthews hopes to survive the first spell unscathed, that might be the model she should follow.