KEEN CONTEST ON CARDS AT CCI

Harmanpreet's form a concern for MI as DC's Lanning aims to add WPL title to T20 WC trophy

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's form is a huge concern as Mumbai Indians look to cap their superb Women's Premier League season (WPL) by defeating Meg Lanning's Delhi Capitals in the inaugural edition of the tournament at IIC here on Sunday.

After three half centuries earlier on in the tournament, form has deserted the India skipper, and, had it not been for Nat SciverBrunt's unbeaten 72 in the Eliminator against UP Warriorz on Friday, the script of the tournament could have been different.

With Harmanpreet managing just 14 runs in the Eliminator, things could have gone downhill for the Mumbai franchise, but luckily Nat Sciver made the most of the dropped catch to make a mockery of the Warriorz bowling.

Still, it would be futile to pick the favourite as both teams have been ruthless, clinical, dominant – and unsuccessful – at various stages in the tournament.

Delhi and Mumbai have recorded heavy wins against each other in the group stage and finished with identical 12 points, with only the net run rate separating them at the top of the table.

Another Mumbai Indians allrounder Hayley Matthews (258 runs, 13 wickets in nine matches) has blown hot and cold of late but remains a vital cog in the team's line-up, while Yastika Bhatia will look to take a fearless approach with the bat again.

Lanning though would like to add the inaugural WPL trophy to her cabinet after winning the T20 World Cup in South Africa recently for a record-extending fifth time.

Delhi have had their share of highs and lows but Lanning's captaincy, combined with an incredible all-round show from Marizanne Kapp (159 runs, 9 wickets in eight matches), has been the highlight for them. Alice Capsey's power-hitting in the middle overs can also make a strong dent.

While Delhi will once again back overseas stars to come good, their hopes will also be pinned on Indian stars Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali

Verma, Shikha Pandey and Radha Yadav.

SQUADS (FROM)

Delhi Capitals: M Lanning (c), J Rodrigues, S Verma, A Capsey, R Yadav, S Pandey, M Kapp, T Sadhu, L Harris, T Norris, J Akhtar, M Mani, T Bhatia (wk), P Yadav, J Jonassen, S Deepthi, A Reddy, A Mondal.

Mumbai Indians: H Kaur (c), NS Brunt, A Kerr, P Vastrakar, Y Bhatia (wk), H Graham, I Wong, A Kaur, D Gujjar, S Ishaque, H Matthews, C Tryon, H Kazi, K Zanzad, P Bala, S Yadav, N Bisht, J Kalita.