In a crucial match at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, the Delhi Capitals (DC) solidified their dominance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). In the 2026 Eliminator on February 3, the Delhi team defeated the Gujarat Giants (GG) by seven wickets, securing a place in the final. Although the Giants made a late effort, the Capitals chased down the 169-run target with over four overs remaining, leaving Gujarat to consider what might have been.
Ashleigh Gardner on Gujarat Giants’ Loss to Delhi Capitals
After the match, Gujarat Giants’ captain Ashleigh Gardner openly discussed the issues that contributed to their defeat. Despite a strong performance from Beth Mooney, who scored 62 off 51 balls, and Georgia Wareham, who added 35 runs, the team struggled after a poor start at 59/4, eventually reaching 168/7. Gardner noted that the total could have been defended if the bowlers had performed well.
In her post-match comments, Gardner highlighted the lack of pressure during the Powerplay as a key factor in the loss. She said, “We thought it was defendable, but not putting early pressure with the ball allowed the other team to settle.” She also pointed out that dew later in the evening made things tougher for her bowlers. She expressed disappointment about missing the stumps and giving Delhi too many opportunities. Gardner stressed that not adjusting to Delhi’s aggressive style was crucial to the defeat.
“We know how they play; they attack the bowlers and put you under pressure, and they executed that well tonight,” she added.
Delhi Capitals Reach Fourth Consecutive WPL Final
The Capitals’ chase showcased effective aggression. Openers Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee dominated the match, combining for a rapid 89-run partnership, with Lee scoring 43 off 24 balls and Verma contributing 31 off 21. Their quick runs ensured that even after Georgia Wareham took two wickets in one over, the run rate remained manageable.
Jemimah Rodrigues played a standout innings, winning the Player of the Match award with 41 off 23 balls. Partnering with the steady Laura Wolvaardt (32), Rodrigues guided the team through the middle overs. The match concluded when Marizanne Kapp hit the winning boundary in the 16th over, ending the innings at 169/3.
This victory marks the Capitals’ achievement of reaching the WPL final in every edition since the tournament began in 2023. They are now set to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final on February 5, aiming for their first title in their fourth consecutive appearance.
