The BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, buzzed with excitement on February 3, 2026, as the WPL 2026 Eliminator took place between the Gujarat Giants (GG) and the Delhi Capitals (DC). In a crucial match for the Capitals, Jemimah Rodrigues guided her team to a convincing seven-wicket win. Chasing 169 runs, Delhi’s players quickly reached their target in just 15.4 overs, marking their fourth consecutive WPL final and setting up a showdown with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Delhi Capitals’ Campaign Under Jemimah Rodrigues
The 2026 season was a significant change for Delhi as Rodrigues took over as captain. Her leadership style emphasized a people-first approach, focusing on tactical flexibility and strengthening young talents like Nandini Sharma. Despite facing an early setback with two narrow losses to Gujarat in the league stage, Jemimah’s composed attitude helped the team regain confidence at the right moment.
Rodrigues shone in the Eliminator. Following a strong bowling performance led by Chinelle Henry, who took three wickets, Jemimah contributed a captain’s innings with 41 runs off 23 balls. Her blend of aggressive hitting and smart strike rotation ensured that the solid start by the openers was effectively utilized. Under her leadership, the team has evolved from a lineup of stars to a unified, resilient group that prioritizes process over results.
DC’s Path to the Final in WPL 2026: All 9 Matches
The journey to the 2026 final was full of ups and downs, requiring the Capitals to show resilience and make tactical adjustments:
- Match 1 vs MI: The season opener ended with a tough 50-run defeat against the defending champions Mumbai Indians. Chasing 200 runs, DC’s top order faltered early, making it difficult for the middle order to recover.
- Match 2 vs GG: In a thrilling match, DC lost by 4 runs while attempting to chase down 209. Despite a late push, Sophie Devine‘s bowling kept Delhi from their first win.
- Match 3 vs UPW: This match was a turning point as DC secured a strong 7-wicket victory, with Laura Wolvaardt hitting the winning boundary on the final ball.
- Match 4 vs RCB: DC executed a successful plan against the table-toppers, led by Marizanne Kapp’s all-round performance, helping boost the team’s confidence.
- Match 5 vs MI: DC sought revenge with a 30-run win, where Rodrigues scored a half-century, marking her return to form.
- Match 6 vs GG: Another close match against the Giants saw DC fall short by 3 runs, highlighting areas for improvement under pressure.
- Match 7 vs UPW: A strong all-round display helped DC stay in playoff contention with a 5-wicket victory, thanks to Kapp’s three crucial wickets.
- Match 8 vs RCB: In a crucial match, Shafali Verma excelled with her power hitting, securing a top finish for the team and a spot in the Eliminator.
- The Eliminator (Match 9) vs GG: Delhi delivered a complete performance, defeating the Giants by 7 wickets, with Lizelle Lee and Verma’s strong opening partnership making the match easier.
With the final set for February 5, 2026, the Capitals are once again on the brink of breaking their title drought. After three consecutive second-place finishes, the team, under Rodrigues’ leadership, appears ready to finally lift the trophy.
