New Delhi: A swift and unbeaten 61 runs off 32 balls by all-rounder Jess Jonassen, combined with a disciplined bowling display from the seamers, propelled the Delhi Capitals to a convincing six-wicket victory over the Gujarat Giants at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

In pursuit of 128 runs, a well-prepared Capitals batting lineup handed the Giants their third defeat in four matches, while the Capitals ascended to the top of the standings with three victories out of five matches.

Despite Meg Lanning's early dismissal for 3, caught on the inside edge by Kashvee Gautam, Jonassen capitalized on her elevation to the No. 3 batting position.

The left-handed batswoman struck a series of boundaries to establish her rhythm and maintained that intensity throughout her innings, primarily targeting the leg side.

Shafali Verma also displayed an aggressive batting style, contributing 44 runs, and the pair formed a 74-run partnership before Verma was dismissed by Ash Gardner in the 10th over.

Jemimah Rodrigues and Annabel Sutherland fell shortly thereafter without making significant contributions, but Jonassen and Marizanne ensured the Capitals reached 131 for 4 in just 15.1 overs.

Earlier, Bharti Fulmali's unbeaten 40 runs off 29 balls enabled the Giants to post a total of 127 for 9, marking the second-lowest score of the season. This innings provided a crucial recovery after a disastrous start that saw them reduced to 20 for 4.

The Capitals' seamers were exceptionally effective, with Kapp (2/17) and Shikha Pandey (2/18) making early breakthroughs, followed by Annabel Sutherland's (2/20) impactful spell towards the end.

Kapp set the tone by dismissing Harleen Deol for 5 with an outside edge and then trapping Australia's Phoebe Litchfield leg before for a duck. Pandey continued the assault in the fourth over, taking out Beth Mooney for 10 and Kashvee Gautam for a duck.

Deandra Dottin attempted to mount a counterattack with five boundaries, but the disciplined bowling from Delhi consistently applied pressure on the Gujarat batters.

The pace duo of Kapp and Pandey dismantled the top order, leaving the Giants in a precarious position at 20 for 4 during the powerplay.

Titas Sadhu (1/15) added to Giants’ troubles as she castled captain Ash Gardner (3), while Sutherland cleaned up Dottin in the 11th over.

Fulmali counter-attacked with intent, smashing two sixes and four fours, to give some impetus to the innings after the Giants were left reeling at 60/6 at the halfway mark with all big guns back in the hut.

The late flourish ensured the Giants bowlers had something to defend against a strong Delhi batting line-up but it was all too easy for Jonassen.

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