Delhi Capitals produced a composed, big-match performance to outclass Gujarat Giants by seven wickets in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Eliminator at Vadodara, sealing their place in the final with 26 balls to spare. In a contest that promised tension but gradually tilted decisively in Delhi’s favour, the Capitals were sharper with both ball and bat, executing their plans better at every phase of the game.
Gujarat Giants began with intent, looking to make full use of the powerplay. Beth Mooney anchored the innings with the calm assurance that has become her trademark, finding gaps early and rotating strike efficiently. However, Delhi struck crucial blows at regular intervals to prevent the Giants from building unstoppable momentum.
Chinelle Henry made the early breakthrough by removing Sophie Devine for 6 at 1.6 overs, setting the tone. Anushka Sharma briefly counter-attacked with a fluent 16 off 13 balls, adding 29 runs for the second wicket with Mooney, but her dismissal at 5.1 overs (2-38) halted the surge. Ashleigh Gardner’s stay was short-lived as she fell for a duck at 5.2 overs, leaving Gujarat searching for stability.
Mooney, though, held one end firmly, forging a vital middle-order partnership with Georgia Wareham. The pair added impetus between overs 8 and 16, with Wareham’s brisk 35 off 25 balls (SR 140.00) injecting urgency into the innings. Their stand helped Gujarat cross the 100-run mark, but Delhi’s bowlers ensured the finish wasn’t explosive.
Wareham fell at 16.2 overs (5-120), and Bharti Fulmali was dismissed soon after for 0, tightening Delhi’s grip. Kashvee Gautam chipped in with a late cameo of 18 off 10 balls before being run out at 19.5 overs, while Mooney carried her bat with a well-compiled 62 not out off 51 deliveries. Gujarat Giants closed on 168/7 in 20 overs at a run rate of 8.40.
Delhi’s bowling effort was collective and disciplined. Chinelle Henry led the attack with 3 wickets for 35 runs in her four overs, consistently breaking partnerships. Nandni Sharma claimed 2 for 44, while Minnu Mani impressed with her control, returning figures of 1 for 23. Marizanne Kapp bowled with accuracy despite going wicketless (4-0-32-0), and support came from N Sree Charani and Sneh Rana, who kept things tight in the middle overs.
In response, Delhi Capitals came out with clear intent, setting the tempo early. Lizelle Lee was in destructive mood, racing to 43 off just 24 balls, striking eight fours and a six. Alongside Shafali Verma, who made a lively 31 off 21 balls, Delhi surged to 89 for 1 by 7.1 overs, effectively winning the powerplay battle. Georgia Wareham provided the breakthrough by dismissing Lee and followed it up by removing Verma at 7.6 overs, but the damage was largely done.
Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues then ensured there were no stumbles. Their partnership was all about composure and smart shot selection, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. Rodrigues played a captain’s knock, scoring 41 off 23 balls with four boundaries and a six, before falling at 14.5 overs (3-160). Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 32 off 24 balls, guiding the chase with calm authority. Marizanne Kapp finished things off as Delhi reached 169/3 in just 15.4 overs, scoring at a brisk run rate of 10.78.
For Gujarat, Wareham was the standout with the ball, picking up 2 for 28 in 3.4 overs. Rajeshwari Gayakwad claimed 1 for 33, while Kashvee Gautam was economical (2-0-17-0). However, the rest of the attack struggled to contain Delhi’s batting depth and intent. With this emphatic victory, Delhi Capitals Women marched confidently into their fourth consecutive WPL final, showcasing balance, experience, and big-game temperament.
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