The opening match of WPL 2024 ignited a wave of excitement as Delhi Capitals clashed with Mumbai Indians, reprising their roles as finalists from the previous season, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Anticipation soared as the first wicket fell within the powerplay, with Ismail dismissing Verma on her debut for the Mumbai squad.
Verma’s struggle became apparent as she faced six consecutive dot deliveries at the start of her innings. Finally, in the last ball of the second over, she managed to rotate the strike but could only muster a solitary run from seven deliveries.
The pressure mounted, and Ismail, drawing on her experience, exploited Verma’s eventual aggressive intent. In a skillful display of bowling, Ismail delivered a well-directed length ball that jagged into the right-hander, eluding the bat’s inside edge and dismantling the middle stump.
CASTLED! 🎯
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 23, 2024
Shabnim Ismail with a spectacular delivery to claim the first wicket of Season 2 🔥🔥#TATAWPL | #MIvDC | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/H7TBL0Klre
Verma’s bold but reckless swing across the line signaled her downfall. Ismail’s jubilation at claiming the first scalp for her new team reverberated through the stadium, prompting reactions across the Twitterverse.