Delhi Capitals finally got off the mark in the Women’s Premier League 2026, registering a hard-fought seven-wicket victory over UP Warriorz at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on Wednesday.
After a narrow loss in their opening fixture, the JSW and GMR co-owned franchise showed composure under pressure to secure their first points of the season, with South African batter Laura Wolvaardt praising skipper Jemimah Rodrigues for her calm leadership in a tense chase. Set a target of 155, and the Delhi Capitals approached the chase with intent at the top. Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee provided a solid foundation, ensuring the Capitals stayed in control during the powerplay.
Shafali was the early aggressor, striking 36 off 32 deliveries, peppering the boundary with six fours and unsettling the UP Warriorz bowlers with her proactive approach. At the other end, Lee played the anchor’s role to perfection, pacing her innings smartly while capitalising on loose deliveries. Lee’s knock of 67 off 44 balls, laced with eight fours and three sixes, proved to be the defining contribution of the chase. Her ability to find gaps on a slowing surface and clear the ropes when required ensured Delhi never completely lost momentum, even as the pitch began to offer turn and variable bounce.
Despite the strong start, Delhi Capitals were briefly tested in the middle overs as UP Warriorz tightened their lines and forced a couple of quick wickets. With memories of a similar situation in their previous match still fresh, the equation once again came down to a calm finish. Wolvaardt, unbeaten on 25 off 24 balls, and skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, who chipped in with 21 off 14, displayed composure and clarity to guide the side home with seven wickets in hand.
Reflecting on the tense closing moments, Wolvaardt admitted the relief was palpable. “Very, very relieved,” she said after the match. “There was definitely some tension because it was a pretty similar equation to the last game. At one point it was me and Jemi batting again, so I did have a few flashbacks, but it was very nice that we were able to get over the line this time.”
The conditions played a significant role in shaping the contest. Wolvaardt highlighted how different the surface was compared to Delhi’s previous outing. “It was a much slower pitch, and it was holding a bit more than the other night, with a lot more turn. On the previous wicket, there was no turn, and it was sliding on nicely, so it was a very different challenge,” she explained. While acknowledging that the chase could have been wrapped up earlier, Wolvaardt felt the team’s ability to manage pressure was encouraging. “We probably could have taken a bit more responsibility earlier to avoid taking it that deep, but we managed to get the job done.”
Earlier in the match, Delhi Capitals’ bowlers laid the groundwork with a disciplined effort to restrict UP Warriorz to 154 for 8. Marizanne Kapp led the attack with figures of 2 for 24, using her experience to apply pressure in key phases. Shafali Verma also made a notable contribution with the ball, returning 2 for 16, effectively choking the run flow through the middle overs and underlining her growing all-round value.
Wolvaardt was particularly effusive in her praise for opening partner Lizelle Lee, whose innings set the tone for the chase. “She’s been wonderful. I’m very happy for her that she’s been able to contribute,” Wolvaardt said. “She’s been batting like this consistently in franchise cricket in Australia and has been playing a lot of cricket. It’s really nice to play with her again. We had a very good opening partnership for South Africa, so it’s been awesome to bat together again, and she’s a very destructive player.”
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The South African batter also reserved special praise for captain Jemimah Rodrigues, who is leading the side for the first time in the WPL. “Jemi has been great. She’s a really good people’s person and knows how to communicate with everyone and get the best out of the group,” Wolvaardt noted. “She’s had a lot on her shoulders as a new captain, but she’s handled it really well and has been very inspirational for the team.”
With confidence restored, Delhi Capitals will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, January 17, as they look to build momentum and reassert themselves as one of the most consistent sides in the Women’s Premier League.
