Delhi Capitals Dominate Gujarat Giants to Secure Fourth Straight WPL Final Berth
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, the Delhi Capitals women's team secured their place in the Women's Premier League final for the fourth consecutive season. Their emphatic seven-wicket victory over the Gujarat Giants in Tuesday's Eliminator match sets up a thrilling championship showdown against the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Clinical Chase Seals Victory
Chasing a competitive target of 169 runs, Delhi Capitals demonstrated exceptional batting depth and strategic execution. The foundation for victory was laid by openers Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee, who combined for an explosive 89-run partnership that put immediate pressure on the Giants' bowling attack.
Verma contributed a brisk 31 runs from just 21 deliveries, while Lee's aggressive 43 off 24 balls provided the early momentum that proved crucial to the successful chase. Despite a brief resurgence from Gujarat's Georgia Wareham, who claimed two wickets, the Capitals maintained their composure.
Captain Jemimah Rodrigues, leading from the front with 41 valuable runs, partnered effectively with Laura Wolvaardt, who remained unbeaten on 32. Their steady partnership ensured Delhi reached their target in just 15.4 overs, showcasing the team's batting firepower and chase management capabilities.
Bowling Excellence Restricts Gujarat
Earlier in the match, the Delhi Capitals bowling unit displayed disciplined performance to restrict the Gujarat Giants to 168/7. Despite a fighting unbeaten 62 from Beth Mooney, the Capitals bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings.
Chinelle Henry emerged as the standout bowler for Delhi, claiming three crucial wickets while conceding 35 runs. Her ability to break partnerships at key moments proved instrumental in controlling the game's tempo. Nandini Sharma provided valuable support with two wickets for 44 runs, demonstrating the team's balanced bowling attack.
Historic Final Showdown Approaches
The stage is now set for a historic Women's Premier League final between two of the tournament's most consistent teams. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by captain Smriti Mandhana, will defend their championship title against a determined Delhi Capitals side seeking their first WPL trophy.
This final represents more than just a championship match—it's a clash between established success and persistent ambition. While RCB aims to solidify their dominance with back-to-back titles, Delhi Capitals will be motivated by their impressive consistency and the opportunity to finally claim the championship that has eluded them despite four consecutive final appearances.
Final Match Details
Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals, WPL 2026 Final
Date: February 5, 2026
Venue: BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Team Squads for the Championship Clash
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad:
- Smriti Mandhana (Captain)
- Richa Ghosh
- Ellyse Perry
- Lauren Bell
- Pooja Vastrakar
- Arundhati Reddy
- Radha Yadav
- Nadine de Klerk
- Shreyanka Patil
- Georgia Voll
- Linsey Smith
- Prema Rawat
- Gautami Naik
- Prathyoosha Kumar
- Dayalan Hemalatha
Delhi Capitals Squad:
- Jemimah Rodrigues (Captain)
- Taniya Bhatia
- Chinelle Henry
- Lizelle Lee
- Niki Prasad
- Shafali Verma
- Laura Wolvaardt
- Lucy Hamilton
- Marizanne Kapp
- Alana King
- Sneh Rana
- Pragati Singh
- Minnu Mani
- Nandani Sharma
- Shree Charani
- Eddla Srujana
The Women's Premier League continues to showcase the growing talent and competitive spirit in women's cricket, with this final promising to be a memorable encounter between two deserving finalists.
