The inaugural Women’s Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2024 concluded with a dramatic and exhilarating final as the North Delhi Strikers Women clinched the title with a thrilling 10-run victory over the South Delhi Superstarz Women. The match, held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 8, was a testament to the high standard of women’s cricket in the league, showcasing skill, determination, and nerve. North Delhi’s triumph marked a historic moment in the league’s short but exciting history.
Upasana Yadav Shatters Records with Historic Century
The spotlight of the final shone brightly on Upasana Yadav, who delivered a record-breaking performance that will be remembered for years to come. Yadav became the first player in DPL history to score a century, a milestone that significantly contributed to North Delhi’s commanding total of 179/3 in their 20 overs. Her unbeaten knock of 114 runs off just 67 balls was a masterclass in aggressive batting, featuring 18 boundaries and three sixes.
Yadav’s innings was crucial, especially following the early dismissal of Mansi Sharma for a duck. Her partnership with Monika provided stability and momentum, with North Delhi reaching 50/1 by the end of the powerplay. Yadav’s aggressive approach did not falter as she reached her fifty in just 36 balls and continued to accelerate, achieving her century in 62 deliveries. Supporting her innings, Ayushi Soni contributed a valuable 31 off 34 balls, helping North Delhi post a formidable total. Despite South Delhi’s Aarti Kumari’s best efforts, claiming 2/34 in her four overs, the target was set high.
South Delhi Superstarz’ Chase: A Spirited Fight Falls Short
South Delhi’s chase began with an aggressive intent, but early setbacks put them on the back foot. Openers Chhavi Gupta and Shweta Sehrawat could only manage 20 and 13 runs, respectively, before being dismissed by the end of the powerplay, leaving South Delhi at 46/2. Tanisha Singh, however, rose to the occasion with a valiant innings, anchoring the chase with a splendid 72 runs off 40 balls.
Singh formed a crucial partnership with Riya Soni, adding 38 runs to the score. However, Soni’s dismissal in the 11th over left South Delhi at 84/3. Singh then combined forces with Nidhi Mahto, building a 60-run stand that brought the score to 144/4 in the 17th over. Despite this momentum, the game shifted dramatically when Bharti Rawal removed Mahto, and Soni Yadav struck twice in the 18th over, dismissing both Singh and R Priyadarshini. These crucial wickets left South Delhi at 151/6, putting them under immense pressure.
Late Fightback and Dramatic Finish
The South Delhi Superstarz made a valiant late effort, with Ekta Bhadana and Manju Godara adding 15 runs in the 19th over. However, the task proved too steep as South Delhi required 14 runs from the final six balls. Nazma Sultana, demonstrating composure and precision, delivered a disciplined last over. Her exceptional bowling saw her take two crucial wickets, sealing the win for North Delhi. South Delhi’s innings concluded at 169/8, just 10 runs short of the target.
Key Performances and Turning Points
The match was marked by several standout performances and pivotal moments. Upasana Yadav’s record-breaking century was the highlight, setting a high target for South Delhi. The disciplined bowling by the North Delhi bowlers, particularly in the crucial final overs, played a significant role in restricting South Delhi’s chase. Nazma Sultana’s final over was crucial in ensuring that North Delhi crossed the finish line with a victory.
Tanisha Singh’s valiant effort was notable, but the lack of support from the lower order ultimately proved costly for South Delhi. The turning points in the game, including the critical dismissals of Singh and Mahto, were significant in swinging the match in North Delhi’s favor. The disciplined bowling performance in the death overs ensured that North Delhi maintained their advantage and secured the title.
The Impact of North Delhi’s Victory
North Delhi Strikers Women’s victory in the inaugural DPL 2024 is a landmark achievement for the team and the league. It signifies the rise of women’s cricket in Delhi and sets a high standard for future editions of the league. The team’s performance throughout the tournament demonstrated their strength and skill, culminating in a memorable final that showcased the best of women’s cricket.
The victory also highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of women’s cricket in India. With increasing support and recognition, leagues like the DPL play a crucial role in providing opportunities for women cricketers to showcase their talent and contribute to the sport’s development.
Looking Forward: Future Prospects
As the inaugural DPL season concludes, the focus will shift to the future of the league and the development of women’s cricket in the region. The success of the tournament and the thrilling final underscore the potential for growth and the increasing interest in women’s cricket. Teams and players will look to build on this momentum, aiming to improve their performances and contribute to the sport’s growth.
The league’s organizers will likely seek to enhance the competition in future seasons, ensuring that it continues to provide a platform for talented players and exciting cricket. The inaugural season has set a strong foundation, and with continued support and investment, the DPL can become a significant event in the women’s cricket calendar.
North Delhi Strikers Women’s thrilling 10-run victory over South Delhi Superstarz Women in the DPL 2024 final was a fitting end to a remarkable season. The match was a showcase of skill, determination, and competitive spirit, highlighting the potential and promise of women’s cricket in Delhi.
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