In the aftermath of Delhi Capitals’ commanding seven-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Eliminator on February 3 at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium, all-rounder Chinelle Henry stole the spotlight at the post-match press conference.
Her incisive 3/35 spell dismantled Gujarat’s middle order, propelling DC to their fourth straight final, via the qualifier route this time, where they’ll face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on February 5. Henry’s reflections blended tactical nous, team trust, and quiet ambition, underscoring why this West Indian import has become DC’s X-factor.
Henry’s bowling masterclass was the game’s pivot. With Gujarat posting 168/7, fueled by Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 62 off 51, Henry struck thrice in her spell, including early blows alongside Nandni Sharma (2/44) and Minnu Mani (1/23). Despite DC leaking a WPL-record joint 25 extras, Henry’s powerplay strikes set the tone.
Chasing 169, DC’s top order erupted: Lizelle Lee (43 off 24) and Shafali Verma (31 off 21) forged an 89-run opening stand, backed by Jemimah Rodrigues’ match-winning 41 off 23 (Player of the Match) and Laura Wolvaardt’s 32* off 24. They romped home with 26 balls spare, Georgia Wareham’s 2/28 the lone resistance for Gujarat Giants with the ball.
Reflecting on the pre-chase huddle, Henry emphasised composure amid rivalry. “It was just about having clearer heads, cool heads, going out there to chase this total,” she said. “Backing their strengths, because we know how Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee are dangerous, just going out there and playing their game.” This mindset flipped prior “dramatic tight games” against Gujarat, with DC’s batting heavyweights, Lee (283 runs, SR 141.50), Wolvaardt (273 runs, avg 45.50), Verma (239 runs), and Rodrigues (207 runs, SR 138.92), delivering in the clutch.
On her season’s arc, Henry’s all-round impact shines: 12 wickets at 17.91 avg (third for DC), plus 73 runs at SR 135.18. “Being an all-rounder, if one’s not going your way, the other one kind of falls into place,” she noted. “I’m just happy to be helping the team in whichever way I can.” From joining the UP Warriorz as a replacement player for Alyssa Healy last year, to moving to the Delhi Capitals in the mega auctions in November 2025, to new-ball enforcer, her growth stems from West Indies’ post-2025 50-over World Cup prep for the T20 showpiece, honing phases, situation-reading, and batting smarts beyond power-hitting.
Credit flowed to DC’s pace unit, where partnerships with Marizanne Kapp (10 wickets, econ 6.05) in coordination with skipper Jemimah Rodrigues thrive on “conversations behind the scenes.” Henry, Kapp’s powerplay partner, dissected local conditions and plans: “If she’s not getting the wicket, I’m getting wickets, or both of us are. So it’s just kind of a partnership that we’ve developed.”
With a quick turnaround to the final, Henry’s fire remains unquenched. “As Jonathan Batty said, we’re yet to have the perfect game,” she declared. “It’s always about conversations. How are we going to make that final step to becoming WPL champions?” DC’s legacy teeters on the brink. Can Jemimah Rodrigues and co’s cool heads clinch the crown on 5th February 2026 (Thursday)?
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