WPL 2026: “190 Was Chasable, We Didn’t Click With the Bat,” Says DC Coach Jonathan Batty After Loss to MI
Batty praises team’s bowling effort, backs batting line up, and lauds debutant Nandni Sharma despite opening defeat at DY Patil Stadium.
Navi Mumbai, Jan 11: Delhi Capitals head coach Jonathan Batty reflected on his team’s performance following their 50-run defeat to Mumbai Indians in the opening fixture of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 196, DC were bowled out for 145 in 19 overs despite a fighting half-century from Chinelle Henry (56 off 33). Earlier, Mumbai Indians posted 195/4, thanks to half centuries from Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver Brunt.
Speaking at the post match press conference, Batty said, “I thought it was a really good wicket. In the first half, we bowled really well for the first ten overs and were pretty happy. We would have liked another wicket or two, but their two best batters put together a great partnership.”
On the bowling effort overall, he added, “Our plans were very good and about 75 percent of what we did with the ball was really good. When we missed, we missed quite significantly, which allowed them to get away a little. With a quick outfield and short boundaries, 190 is a chasable score with our batting line-up.”
Assessing the batting performance, Batty admitted, “We did not quite click with the bat. One of those days. Nicola Carey bowled really well and probably turned the game in that one powerplay over by getting those two wickets and putting us under pressure.”
He remained confident in the team’s batting depth, saying, “I am really happy with the batting line-up we have got. It is a fantastic top seven or eight, with Sneh Rana coming in at number eight. That line-up should score heavily through the tournament. Players like Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues have a lot of quality, and they will click.”
Batty also praised debutant Nandni Sharma for her impact, noting, “Nandni has been on our radar for quite some time. She has had a good domestic year and was really impressive in training. To finish with figures of 2/26 on debut is a really good start to her WPL career.”
Despite the margin of defeat, Batty highlighted positives from the game: “At one stage, we were 88 for 6 and they were 88 for 2. That shows how the game was positioned at that point. There are lots of good things to come out of that, and we will take those into the debrief.”
Delhi Capitals will next face Gujarat Giants on Sunday at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy.
