It is a massive challenge for Delhi: Meg Lanning ahead of WPL 2023 final against Mumbai

Published on: Mar 26, 2023

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) skipper Meg Lanning has stated that facing Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 final will be a massive challenge. Adding that while both finalists are strong, Lanning asserted that her team is confident of coming up with a good performance in the final

Delhi Capitals directly progressed to the WPL 2023 final after topping the points table following the conclusion of the league stage. Mumbai, on the other hand, beat UP Warriorz by 72 runs in the Eliminator to book their place in the WPL 2023 final.

MI and DC met twice during the league stage, with Mumbai winning the first match and Delhi the second. Addressing a press conference ahead of the WPL 2023 final, Lanning said, “Both Mumbai and Delhi have been consistent throughout the tournament. We have had two good contests. I am looking forward to taking on a really good team, they played some really good cricket last night,”

“We know how dangerous they can be, they have got some great players. It is a massive challenge for Delhi, but we are confident as well. We come in having been pushed in a few games which is important, we have not had things going our way and that prepares us really nicely. “(It is) a high pressure game tomorrow night and we just got to play our best cricket,” she added.

Lanning stated that Delhi have played all their matches will smiles on their faces and their endeavor will be to continue to do so. She continued, “(Will be) encouraging our girls to do tomorrow night, enjoy the experience, embrace it because who knows if we get back here again so we need to make the most of the opportunity.”

The 31-year-old, who celebrated her birthday on Saturday, also expressed hope that opener Shafali Verma would come good in the final. She said about the youngster, “Batting with her has been great fun. She has got a unique style which works for her. She takes the game-on and turns it in our favour. She had a great tournament and is looking in good form heading into the final tomorrow.

“Hopefully she comes in with a clear mind and is ready to take the game on and I can watch from the other end,” Lanning added.

Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet agreed that Lanning and Shafali are a dangerous combinations. She, however, asserted that MI have their plans in place for them. Harmanpreet commented, “They have the best combination in the whole tournament and they also did well against us in the last game.

“We know what they can do and how dangerous they can be. We have our plans and hopefully we are able to execute them,” she added.

On the mood in the MI camp ahead of the final, Harmanpreet said that players were enjoying the team environment. The right-hander concluded, “We have many leaders in the camp, people who have captained their team and also been vice-captains. Some of the Indian players like Amanjot (Kaur) did well in South Africa. This makes for a great team environment.”

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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