Delhi Capitals Beat Gujarat Giants in WPL Eliminator – Lee & Rodrigues Shine

Vadodara, India – The Delhi Capitals are heading back to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) final after a dominant seven-wicket victory over the Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator match played today, February 3, 2026, at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. Delhi will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final on February 5.

Chasing a target of 169, the Capitals showcased a composed and clinical batting performance. An 89-run opening stand between Lizelle Lee (43 off 24 balls) and Shafali Verma (31 off 21 balls) set the foundation for the chase, effectively clearing more than half the required runs. The momentum continued with a 68-run partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues (41 off 23 balls) and Laura Wolvaardt (32*), guiding Delhi to victory with 26 balls to spare.

Earlier, the Gujarat Giants, after winning the toss and electing to bat, struggled to build a substantial innings. Their start was immediately disrupted by Chinelle Henry, who dismissed Sophie Devine early, inducing an edge caught brilliantly by Lee. Nandani Sharma then quickly followed up, removing both Anushka Sharma and Ashleigh Gardner off consecutive deliveries, surpassing Saika Ishaque for the most wickets by an Indian player in a WPL edition with 16 wickets, just one behind Devine’s season-leading 17.

Despite the early setbacks, Beth Mooney anchored the Gujarat innings with a determined 62 not out off 51 balls. Mooney, who had been largely a spectator during the initial wickets, found her rhythm, hitting boundaries to break a 33-ball boundary drought for her team. A crucial 50-run partnership with Georgia Wareham (35) provided some much-needed stability, but Henry’s return proved decisive, dismissing Wareham and then quickly adding Bharti Fulmali’s wicket.

Mooney continued to push for runs in the final overs, adding six boundaries alongside Kashvee Gautam to bring the Giants’ total to 168 for 7. Her innings underscored her ability to perform under pressure and highlighted her importance to the Gujarat side.

Delhi’s chase began explosively. Lee and Shafali’s partnership was characterized by aggressive strokeplay and quick running between the wickets. Shafali, in particular, capitalized on a loose over from Devine, which included four byes and five wides, adding to the pressure on the Giants’ bowlers. The pair raced to 64 runs in the first five overs, a stark contrast to Gujarat’s cautious start.

Lee continued to dominate, hitting both a four and a six off Rajeshwari Gayakwad, before being dismissed by Wareham. Shafali also fell shortly after, also to Wareham, bringing an end to the explosive opening stand. However, the platform had been laid, and the incoming batters were able to maintain the momentum.

Rodrigues and Wolvaardt then took control, playing with fluency, and confidence. Rodrigues showcased her power-hitting ability with a six over mid-off, while Wolvaardt displayed elegant strokeplay, including a six over long-on. Their partnership ensured a comfortable path to victory for the Capitals.

Marizanne Kapp ultimately sealed the win, hitting a boundary off Wareham to finish the match. Jemimah Rodrigues was named Player of the Match for her impactful 23-ball 41-run knock, acknowledging the team’s belief and trust in each other as key factors in their success.

Delhi Capitals have now reached their fourth consecutive WPL final, demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. They will be looking to finally claim the title against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in a rematch of the 2024 final. The summit clash is scheduled for Thursday, February 5th, at 7:30 pm IST.