Delhi Capitals Secure Fourth Consecutive WPL Final Berth With Clinical Performance
The Delhi Capitals have stormed into the championship match of the Women's Premier League 2026, marking their fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament's final. Their emphatic seven-wicket triumph over the Gujarat Giants at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Tuesday showcased a masterclass in chasing under pressure.
Explosive Opening Partnership Sets The Tone
The foundation for Delhi Capitals' successful pursuit of 169 runs was laid by openers Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma. Lee's aggressive 43 runs off just 24 balls, featuring eight boundaries and one six, combined with Verma's brisk 31 from 21 deliveries with seven fours, created a formidable launchpad. Their scintillating first-wicket partnership propelled the team to a dominant position early in the innings.
This dynamic duo hammered an impressive 75 runs during the Powerplay overs, effectively putting the match beyond Gujarat Giants' reach. Although both fell to leg-spinner Georgia Wareham in the eighth over, the damage had already been done, setting the stage for a comfortable chase.
Middle Order Seals The Victory
Following the openers' departure, Laura Wolvaardt and captain Jemimah Rodrigues displayed remarkable composure to guide their team toward the target. Wolvaardt remained unbeaten with 32 runs from 24 balls, while Rodrigues contributed a crucial 41 off just 23 deliveries. Their sensible batting ensured Delhi Capitals maintained momentum without unnecessary risks.
The Capitals required only nine runs when Rodrigues was dismissed, and Marizanne Kapp fittingly sealed the victory with a boundary in the 16th over. The team completed their chase in just 15.4 overs, demonstrating their batting prowess and strategic execution.
Gujarat Giants' Innings: Early Struggles and Mooney's Resilience
Earlier in the match, Gujarat Giants faced immediate pressure as Delhi Capitals' bowler Nandani Sharma delivered another brilliant Powerplay spell. In her first over, Sharma removed the in-form Anushka Sharma and captain Ashleigh Gardner off successive deliveries, leaving the Giants in dire straits early in their innings.
Despite these early setbacks, opener Beth Mooney displayed exceptional resilience to steady the Giants' innings. Her well-compiled half-century, scoring 62 runs from 51 balls with five boundaries, provided the backbone of their total. Mooney forged a vital partnership of 61 runs from 46 balls for the fifth wicket with Georgia Wareham, who contributed 35 off 25 deliveries.
For a prolonged period, boundaries eluded the Giants, and their run rate stagnated. However, Mooney's determined presence kept their hopes alive. After 33 balls of attrition, she finally broke the drought by lofting a full delivery straight down the ground for a boundary, injecting much-needed momentum into the innings.
Historical Achievement and Upcoming Final
This victory marks Delhi Capitals' fourth successive appearance in the Women's Premier League final, establishing them as one of the tournament's most consistent performers. They will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the title clash at the same venue on Thursday, setting up what promises to be an exciting championship match.
Brief Scores:
- Gujarat Giants: 168/7 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 62*, Georgia Wareham 35; Chenille Henry 3/35)
- Delhi Capitals: 169/3 in 15.4 overs (Lizelle Lee 43, Jemimah Rodrigues 41; Georgia Wareham 2/28)
Delhi Capitals won by 7 wickets with 26 balls remaining.
