Shafali Verma and Jess Jonassen’s game-winning century partnership against Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the Delhi Capitals’ commanding nine-wicket victory on March 1 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium was praised by former India captain Mithali Raj.
With a score of 61 in only 38 balls, nine fours, and a six, Jonassen aided Shafali, who was undefeated at 80 off 43 with eight fours and four sixes, as the Capitals crushed the 148-run mark in just 15.1 overs, condemning RCB to their fourth straight thumping. Following five wins in seven games, the victory also guaranteed the Delhi Capitals a postseason berth, making them the first team to do so.
“With more than 300-run partnerships, we’ve talked a lot about the Delhi Capitals’ opening partnership thus far. However, I think this is the first time Shafali Verma has put up a 140-run partnership with Jess Jonassen, a number three batsman. She built her innings today in a really unique way. She frequently reaches the 40s during the powerplay before losing her wicket. She made sure to play into the middle overs today, though, so she could support Jess Jonassen at the other end and help her team win. On JioHotstar, Mithali stated, “This is precisely what we expect from her, and hopefully she continues to do this for Delhi Capitals in the coming seasons.”
Speaking about Shafali’s blitz, Mithali praised her for being able to wait patiently before launching an offensive against the spinners in the middle overs.
Jess Jonassen was hitting the ball more frequently and hitting more boundaries when she joined Shafali, and her strike rate was actually higher than Shafali’s. Shafali didn’t try a big shot for a maximum for a long time. She began hitting those enormous sixes, one of which went 82 meters, in the middle overs, however, after the spinners entered the game. She seems to know her position now. She has already reached 80 runs if she counts her wicket and bats for 20 overs. If she continues to play T20 cricket, she could become one of those batters who amasses hundreds of runs. And the team’s total could be significantly impacted by that.”
Jonassen was also commended by Mithali for assuming the No. 3 position with ease and seizing the chance.
She has done a fantastic job adjusting to the number three position. She only played two innings and two fifties, but she never gave the impression that she was laboring or forced up from the lower rank. Rather, she took advantage of the chance to score runs. She never slowed down the momentum of her batting style. Shafali and Jess had to form a partnership after losing Meg Lanning too soon, but they never seemed to feel under pressure. In addition to alternating the strike with singles and twos, they continued to establish boundaries. It’s wonderful to observe how well they have bonded while playing together.
Regarding the Delhi Capitals’ playoff qualification, Jonassen said: “It’s incredibly satisfying for us to formally qualify for the finals once more. So far in the tournament, I think we’ve developed well. We’re excited to have a few days off before to our match in Lucknow.
Regarding Shafali Verma, Jonassen added, “She’s amazing—a true weapon of a ball striker.” We constantly reminded one another to play to our strengths while we were batting together. I was supposed to remind her to remain intelligent. She is among the top ball strikers in women’s tennis, and all she needs to do is choose which ball to attack. To be honest, Shafali Verma can hit a lot of balls that are in the appropriate place. She is always a pleasure to bat with, and I’m grateful that she showed up at the last minute and completed the task.
India
