Delhi Capitals’ left-arm spinner N Sree Charani stole the spotlight at the post-match press conference after her team’s thrilling five-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Match 20 at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on February 1.
The win not only sealed Delhi’s spot in the Eliminator against Gujarat Giants on February 3 (7:30 PM IST, same venue) but also knocked out defending champions Mumbai Indians, the first time in tournament history they’ll miss the playoffs. Maintaining their flawless record of reaching knockouts in all four seasons, Delhi chased down 123 with eight balls to spare, thanks to a disciplined bowling effort (Marizanne Kapp 3/30, Charani 2/22) and a match-winning 73-run stand between Laura Wolvaardt (47 off 36) and Shafali Verma (29 off 33), capped by skipper Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 34 off 18.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, DC struck early with Chinelle Henry (2/25) dismissing UPW skipper Meg Lanning for a golden duck. Despite recoveries via Deepti Sharma (24 off 19) and Charli Knott, plus late cameos from Simran Shaikh (22 off 14), Shikha Pandey (23* off 13), and Sophie Ecclestone (10* off 20), UPW limped to 122/8. DC’s chase wobbled with Lizelle Lee’s early exit, but Wolvaardt and Verma’s partnership steadied nerves, while Rodrigues and Niki Prasad’s unbroken 25-run stand for the sixth wicket sealed a spot in their first-ever Eliminator, unlike the prior three seasons’ top-table finals under ex-skipper Lanning.
Charani, who earned vital breakthroughs on a wearing Vadodara pitch, credited the team’s relaxed mindset for the success. “I think everyone was clear about their duties, and we were quite chill. There was nothing extra to worry about. I even spoke to Laura Wolvaardt, and she said let us treat this like a simple match and not think of it as a qualification game,” she revealed, emphasising how that composure fueled their bowlers’ stranglehold.
Reflecting on her growth since last season, the young spinner highlighted improved communication and exposure. “I feel I have a bit more exposure now compared to last season. I can understand my game better and also communicate more clearly with the captain about how I am feeling and what I can do better,” Charani said, praising Rodrigues’ guidance alongside Lanning’s. She reserved special admiration for teammate Kapp’s relentless ethic: “Marizanne Kapp has very good work ethics, how she trains in the nets, so I think I can learn. I can also behave like that.”
Looking ahead to the Eliminator rematch with Gujarat Giants, where Charani previously dazzled with 4/31, she exuded quiet confidence. “Actually, we really want to play with them, because we also want to beat them, we just try to stick to our strengths.” With DC chasing a fourth straight final, Charani’s fearless evolution mirrors the franchise’s unyielding playoff pedigree.
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