A much better batting and bowling performance meant Gujarat Giants managed to keep their chances for a top-three finish in the Women's Premier League (WPL) with an 11-run win over Delhi Capitals at Brabourne Stadium on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Though 147\/4 looked a little short of the usual par score at the venue, skipper Sneh Rana insisted it was a par score based on how the conditions were, especially with the pitch slowing down in the later stages of the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Smile is always there. We thought 150 was par based on the conditions. Lanning's was a big wicket and we enjoyed it. Kim started brilliantly, momentum was with us. The two-wicket over swung it back. Whoever contributes, it's good," she said in the post-match presentation ceremony.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pushed into batting first, Laura Wolvaardt and Ashleigh Gardner slammed 57 and 51 not out while being involved in a crucial 81-run partnership off 53 balls for the third wicket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We've talked about having two good stands and that came about today. Everyone was positive right from the warm-up. We went there determined saying 'we had to do it'. We were good in all three departments and came through," added Sneh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In a chase of 148, Delhi Capitals could make only 136 in 18.4 overs. Though Marizanne Kapp made 36 and Arundhati Reddy slammed a lovely cameo of 25, lack of support coupled with some run-outs meant Delhi are still waiting to seal a top-three finish.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"They bowled well but we played poor shots and gave away wickets through runouts. Frustrating game, guess that's the way it goes. Our bowlers did an excellent shot and I thought they were 20-25 under par."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"My shot to get out was poor. Playing across the line on a track where I should have played straight. That happened a couple of times. The runouts were bad too," said captain Meg Lanning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"They bowled well but we played poor shots and gave away wickets through runouts. Frustrating game, guess that's the way it goes. Our bowlers did an excellent shot and I thought they were 20-25 under par."<\/p>\r\n\r\n