Shikha Pandey pleased with Niki Prasad's contribution as Delhi Capitals secure thrilling last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians

New Delhi: The Delhi Capitals, co-owned by JSW and GMR, began their WPL 2025 season with a thrilling victory over Mumbai Indians at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. In a tense chase of 165, Delhi managed to secure a two-wicket win with Arundhati Reddy hitting the winning runs off the final ball of the match. Her calm composure under pressure ensured a memorable start to the campaign for the team.

Shikha Pandey Reflects on the Intense opener following the match, Shikha Pandey expressed her delight at the team’s performance, stating, “Last time, the tournament opener was similarly intense, but we ended up on the wrong side of the result. This time, it was a complete team effort, and we are thrilled with the outcome.”

Shikha Pandey’s stellar bowling performance leading Delhi’s bowling attack, Pandey delivered an impressive spell, returning with figures of 2/14 in four overs. Reflecting on her performance, she said, “I had a lot of fun bowling with the new ball. I knew the best opportunity to make an impact was in the first few overs. We followed last night’s game and knew it would be a flat wicket. My focus was on taking early wickets and executing my swing bowling, which is something I’ve been working on.”

Strategic Planning and execution discussing the team’s strategic approach, Pandey highlighted the importance of planning and execution. “Meg (Lanning) relies a lot on her gut feeling, but there is also extensive planning by the management, coaches, and captain. Our matchups are not just against Mumbai but for all teams we face throughout the tournament,” she explained.

Niki Prasad’s Crucial Contribution Debutant Niki Prasad played a vital role in Delhi’s chase, scoring 35 off 33 balls under pressure. Pandey praised the young batter, saying, “I’m really happy for Niki. In her first game, she demonstrated incredible character in a high-intensity match and took us really close to the finish line.”

Upcoming Challenge Against RCB With momentum on their side, Delhi Capitals will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on February 17. The team will aim to build on their thrilling victory and continue their strong start in the WPL 2025.

About Delhi Capitals The Delhi Capitals franchise competes in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Co-owned by the GMR Group and the JSW Group, the team was originally established as Delhi Daredevils in 2008 before rebranding as Delhi Capitals in 2019. The team reached its first-ever IPL final in 2020. In 2023, Delhi Capitals became one of the five founding teams in the Women’s Premier League and has finished as runners-up in both the inaugural and second editions of the tournament.