Harleen Deol shines as the key player for the Giants in navigating a challenging chase | Cricbuzz.com

**WPL 2025: Harleen Deol Leads Gujarat Giants to Nail-biting Victory Over Delhi Capitals**

**By Cricbuzz Staff**

In a breathtaking encounter at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, Harleen Deol orchestrated a masterclass performance, steering the Gujarat Giants to a pivotal triumph over Delhi Capitals with a match-winning, unbeaten 70 off 49 balls. This win, accomplished with three deliveries remaining, concluded the Capitals’ winning streak of three matches and elevated the Giants to second place on the league table.

In a match characterized by frequent momentum shifts, the Giants, opting to field first, navigated a tricky chase with a resilient performance. Despite the early setback of managing only 38 runs during the PowerPlay, Deol’s steadfast innings, coupled with the presence of powerful hitters, ensured the chase gained momentum. The critical surge came in the ninth over as Beth Mooney and Deol capitalized on Annabel Sutherland’s over, adding 15 much-needed runs. Deol’s fortuitous reprieves at 27 and 34, with missed chances by the Capitals, proved costly for Delhi.

Continuing the charge, Ashleigh Gardner’s brisk 22 off 13 deliveries, featuring two sixes against Marizanne Kapp and Sutherland, infused crucial momentum into the innings. While Gardner eventually perished, Deandra Dottin’s explosive 24 from 10 balls, including audacious strokes against Jess Jonassen, further tilted the scale in favor of the Giants. As the match narrowed to its climax with 16 needed from 12 balls, Kashvee Gautam unleashed a pivotal six, and Deol fittingly sealed the chase with a boundary.

Earlier, Delhi Capitals set a formidable target courtesy of a commanding start by Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma, who compiled an 83-run opening stand. Their innings was marked by exquisite driving and powerful hitting, with Lanning’s 92 off 58 deliveries showcasing precision and aggression. Despite brief interruptions in scoring momentum, sustained by economical spells from Tanuja Kanwar, the Capitals maintained an imposing total with support from the middle order.

However, the Giants’ disciplined bowling attack ensured a late surge was stifled, dismissing key batters like Jemimah Rodrigues and Annabel Sutherland inexpensively. Meghna Singh’s impactful spell gleaned crucial breakthroughs, putting a check on the Capitals’ scoring spree. Although Lanning neared a century, she fell just short, compelling the Capitals to settle for 177/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

**Match Summary:**

Delhi Capitals: 177/5 in 20 overs (Meg Lanning 92, Shafali Verma 40; Meghna Singh 3-35)
Gujarat Giants: 178/5 in 19.3 overs (Harleen Deol 70*, Deandra Dottin 24; Shikha Pandey 2-31)

The fixture underscored the strategic gameplay and resilience characteristic of the Women’s Premier League, and Harleen Deol’s exemplary performance stood as the linchpin for Gujarat Giants’ memorable five-wicket win.