A big player always steps up in key matches, Meg Lanning did just that: Mithali Raj

Meg Lanning, the star of the Delhi Capitals, was showered with accolades by former India captain Mithali Raj after she defeated the Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, February 28, with an undefeated 60 off 49.

The match-winning opening pair with Lanning saw Shafali Verma smash a 28-ball 43, and she also praised her performance. The former captain emphasised that Shafali restrained her instincts, adopting a “measured” strategy early in the innings before attempting her free-flowing strokes.

Every time Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma form a partnership of 50 or more, the team’s chances of winning go up considerably.

Their efforts increase the Delhi Capitals’ winning percentage. We witnessed Shafali Verma adopt a slightly more measured approach at first today while pursuing a target of 124, which is not how she often attacks. She talked a lot with Meg Lanning, particularly when she was up against Shabnim Ismail. Watching them score from both ends was enjoyable, though, after she settled into a rhythm and Meg Lanning joined in. Mithali stated on JioHotstar, “The Delhi Capitals won by a very clear margin.

With Lanning and Shafali setting a WPL record for the most partnerships with 50 or more, Mithali added that the two play well together and frequently dominate the game without assistance from others.

The fact that they are a perfect match as hitters shows how much the club depends on them to get things going. The middle order has been exposed as the Delhi Capitals have struggled during the three seasons whenever they haven’t been able to form a partnership. Nevertheless, we have hardly ever witnessed the middle order in action when they have been able to form a relationship, which says a lot about their influence on the team’s performance,” she remarked.

Regarding Lanning’s lightning-fast remark, Mithali stated: “A big player always steps up in crucial matches, and Meg Lanning did just that today as both captain and player.” She played as though she realised the importance of this game for the Delhi Capitals. She demonstrated her class with the manner she made her shots, particularly her beautiful straight drive and on-drive. She is gradually returning to her previous level of play, which is really good for the Delhi Capitals.

Shafali Verma can also play more freely now that she knows her skipper is leading the innings. It gives the dugout a great deal of confidence to have a leader like Meg Lanning in the centre. She and Shafali have developed a mutual knowledge of strengths over time, which aids in the successful development of their collaborations. When Shabnim Ismail in for her fourth over, we witnessed Meg approaching Shafali and cautioning her against making any hasty shots, stressing that this was the final over to handle with care. “That degree of leadership is priceless,” she said in closing.