Delhi Capitals Women emphatically booked their place in the WPL 2026 final, defeating Gujarat Giants Women by 7 wickets in the Eliminator at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara on Tuesday. The victory extends the Capitals’ remarkable consistency, as they now reach their fourth consecutive WPL final, where they will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women in the title match.
Chase anchored by top order
Gujarat Giants, after being asked to bat first, produced a competitive total of 168 for 7 in their 20 overs. The backbone of their innings was a composed 62 not out off 51 balls by Beth Mooney, who steadied the innings after early setbacks and anchored partnerships that kept the scoreboard ticking. Georgia Wareham supported with 35, helping the Giants recover from a shaky start and post a challenging target for the Capitals.
Check Out: https://www.khelwire.com/articles/wpl-2026-watch-lizelle-lees-mind-boggling-catch-against-rcb
Delhi Capitals began their chase in an explosive style. Veteran batter Lizelle Lee set the tone with a solid 43 off 24, timing her innings to keep the required rate manageable. After the dismissal of Shafali Verma (31 off 21), captain Jemimah Rodrigues played an aggressive cameo of 41 off 23, injecting momentum into the chase.
The Capitals’ balanced batting effort ensured they reached 169 for 3 in 15.4 overs, sealing the win with overs to spare and underlining their intent heading into the final.
All-round performance across departments
Delhi’s bowling unit laid the foundation for victory by applying early pressure on the Giants’ batters, with Chinelle Henry being their star bowler who took 3 wickets. Regular breakthroughs restricted Gujarat’s scoring rhythm, making Beth Mooney’s fightback all the more crucial before she eventually ran out of partners. Tight lines and disciplined fielding from the Capitals helped limit the Giants to a defendable total.
In the run chase, explosive batting combined with smart rotation of strike kept the pressure on Gujarat’s bowlers throughout. Laura Wolvaardt (32* off 24) kept her cool and took Delhi Capitals over the line with ease, as Marizanne Kapp hit the winning runs.
Experience wins over momentum
Although Gujarat entered the Eliminator with strong momentum, having won three consecutive matches and finished second in the league standings. Delhi’s experience in high-stakes encounters shone through. The Giants have been a formidable side this season, and their recent domestic form had suggested they could be contenders for their maiden final berth. Instead, the Capitals’ poise under pressure and their ability to navigate tricky situations propelled them through.
Check Out: https://www.khelwire.com/articles/watch-smriti-mandhanas-magical-knock-unfortunately-ends-on-96
Fourth final in a row for Delhi
Reaching their fourth straight WPL final further cements the Capitals’ status as one of the league’s most consistent franchises. Their sustained excellence under pressure, from strong league performances to clutch wins in knockout cricket, highlights a culture of competitiveness and adaptability. For the supporters, this string of finals builds anticipation around whether this could be the year Delhi finally captures the title that has eluded them so far.
Repeat of WPL 2024 finale
Royal Challengers Bengaluru cruised into the final with a dominant performance over UP Warriorz, winning by eight wickets and showcasing their all-round strength. Now set to face Delhi in the WPL 2026 title match, RCB will bring their own momentum, setting up a compelling finale between two of the league’s perennial contenders.
The WPL 2026 final between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take place on February 5, with both teams eager to etch their names into the league’s history books. It will be a repeat of 2024 season finale where RCB came out on top.
For Delhi, the final offers another chance to turn consistency into silverware. For RCB, it is an opportunity to affirm their championship credentials. Fans can expect an intense showdown at the BCA Stadium as the curtain draws on a thrilling WPL season.
