Delhi Capitals Aim for Fourth Straight WPL Final as Gujarat Giants Pursue Historic First
In a high-stakes Women's Premier League eliminator clash, the Delhi Capitals will lock horns with the Gujarat Giants in Vadodara on Tuesday. The Capitals, who have finished as runners-up in all three previous editions of the tournament, are determined to secure their fourth consecutive appearance in the final. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Giants are chasing their maiden berth in the championship match, making this encounter a pivotal moment in the 2026 WPL season.
Delhi Capitals: Consistency Meets Mixed Fortunes
The Delhi Capitals have established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the brief history of the Women's Premier League. They are the only franchise to have qualified for the playoffs in all four seasons so far, showcasing their resilience and strategic prowess. However, their 2026 campaign has been a tale of two halves, marked by flashes of dominance interspersed with periods of inconsistency. With four wins and four losses in the league phase, the Capitals have navigated a challenging path to the eliminator.
On the bowling front, the Capitals have relied heavily on the expertise of pacer Nandani Sharma. She has been particularly effective during the death overs, claiming the majority of her 14 wickets in the final stages of matches to keep Delhi competitive in tight contests. Sharma has received solid support from left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who has also taken 14 wickets, and the experienced South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who has contributed 10 wickets while providing control and reliability.
With the bat, the Capitals have benefited from the contributions of South African duo Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee. Wolvaardt has amassed 241 runs, while Lee has scored 240, offering stability at the top of the order. However, the inconsistency of India opener Shafali Verma, who has managed 208 runs, remains a concern for the team. A positive sign for Delhi is the resurgence of skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, who rediscovered her form in a pressure situation during the previous match after struggling for consistency throughout the season.
Gujarat Giants: Momentum and Confidence on Their Side
The Gujarat Giants enter the eliminator with significant momentum, having impressively recovered from a three-match losing streak earlier in the tournament. They strung together a hat-trick of victories, including a confidence-boosting 11-run win over the defending champions Mumbai Indians. This marked their first-ever victory against the two-time champions and secured their place in the knockouts, injecting a surge of optimism into the squad.
Gujarat will also draw confidence from their head-to-head record against Delhi Capitals this season, having defeated them in both league encounters. Veteran New Zealander Sophie Devine played a decisive role in those victories, emerging as the standout performer of the tournament. Devine leads the wicket-taking charts with 17 scalps from eight matches and has also scored 237 runs, including two half-centuries. Her all-round brilliance has made her the Giants' biggest match-winner, and her influence will be central to their hopes of reaching their maiden final.
The Giants have been further buoyed by the return to form of Georgia Wareham, highlighted by her counter-attacking 26-ball 44 not out against Mumbai Indians. Key contributions are also expected from Australian stalwart Beth Mooney and skipper Ashleigh Gardner, adding depth and experience to the lineup.
Stakes and Outlook
The winner of this eliminator will advance to face the former champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final, scheduled for February 5. With both teams possessing distinct strengths and motivations, this match promises to be a thrilling contest. Delhi Capitals will rely on their experience and consistency, while Gujarat Giants will leverage their momentum and Devine's stellar form. The clash not only highlights the competitive spirit of the Women's Premier League but also underscores the growing prominence of women's cricket in India.
Teams for the Eliminator:
- Delhi Capitals: Jemimah Rodrigues (c), 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.
- Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner (c), Kanika Ahuja, Sophie Devine, Bharti Fulmali, Kim Garth, Kashvee Gautam, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Happy Kumari, Jintimani Kalita, Tanuja Kanwar, Beth Mooney (wk), Renuka Singh, Anushka Sharma, Shivani Singh, Ayushi Soni, Georgia Wareham, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
The match is set to commence at 7:30 PM, with fans eagerly anticipating a showdown that could redefine the trajectories of both franchises in the Women's Premier League.
