While Delhi Capitals have been here before and failed to reach the previous three finals, they surprisingly entered this knockout as underdogs against a confident Gujarat side that had their number all season.
The Giants have already beaten the Capitals twice, defending the total with composure both times, while Delhi faltered in tense chases against the leadership and experience of Sophie Devine. These results played a major role in Gujarat finishing second in the league, while Delhi had to wait until the last day to confirm their qualification.
Conditions at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara further favor the home team. The surface was slow, offering help to the spinners and the middle totals generally proved competitive.
Gujarat seem more attuned to these conditions, with a clear game plan, bowlers targeting wicket-to-wicket lines and batsmen avoiding risky cross-court shots.
All three of their wins here this season have been firsts, although they have never been successful at the venue.
This statistic may tempt Delhi to take an unusual tactical gamble. Despite never having batted first this season, a proactive approach that set a total of 10-15 runs above par could test Gujarat’s comfort zone and expose their reliance on a few key players.
Both teams have come in good form recently, winning three of their last four games on the pitch. Delhi have shown resilience with contributions spread across the line-up, while Gujarat’s late-season surge has been fueled by a core group in top form.
Whether depth or momentum will decide who advances to the final on Tuesday night.