WPL 2025: Mithali Raj Lauds Annabel Sutherland’s Winning Knock Against UP Warriorz

February 20, 2025: After the thrilling finish in the Women’s Premier League clash between Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz, former India captain Mithali Raj shared her thoughts on the match-winning performances, particularly highlighting Annabel Sutherland’s crucial contributions.

Delhi Capitals triumphed in a dramatic final over finish, securing a seven-wicket victory over UP Warriorz at Kotambi Stadium on Wednesday. This win helped the Delhi side bounce back after a heavy defeat to the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in their previous match. Meanwhile, UP Warriorz had to wait for another day to earn their first victory of the season.

Mithali Raj praised Annabel Sutherland’s important role in the victory, especially during a pivotal partnership with her skipper Meg Lanning. “Annabel Sutherland played a supporting role alongside her skipper, Meg Lanning, especially after Delhi Capitals had a strong start in the powerplay but then lost Jemimah Rodrigues without adding to the total,” Raj said during her analysis on JioHotstar. “That partnership was critical in stabilizing the innings, and her 40-run stand with Marizanne Kapp was equally vital. It was important for Sutherland to step up and contribute with the bat.”

Sutherland’s knock of 41 runs from 35 balls, which included four boundaries, helped steady the innings and set the stage for Delhi Capitals’ win. Besides her batting, the Australian cricketer also impressed with the ball, taking two wickets for 26 runs in her four-over spell.

Raj also spoke about Marizanne Kapp’s match-changing performance with the bat, highlighting her unbeaten 29 runs from 17 balls at an impressive strike rate of 170.59. “Marizanne Kapp rightly mentioned at the presentation that as an all-rounder, if you have a tough day with the ball, you always have the opportunity to make an impact with the bat,” Raj reflected. “That’s exactly what she did. With Sutherland well-set at the other end, Kapp found her rhythm, played some excellent shots in front of the wicket, built a strong partnership, and ultimately guided her team to victory.”

With Sutherland and Kapp playing key roles, Delhi Capitals secured a crucial win, and the performances were a testament to the depth and resilience of their batting lineup.