Delhi Capitals Claim First Victory in WPL 2026 Against UP Warriorz
Delhi Capitals Secure a Thrilling Seven-Wicket Victory
In an exciting match on Wednesday, the Delhi Capitals triumphed over the UP Warriorz by seven wickets in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026. This victory marks the first for the Delhi team in the current tournament, while the UP Warriorz continue to seek their first win after three consecutive losses.
Dominant Opening Partnership Sets the Stage
Chasing a target of 155 runs, the Delhi Capitals got off to a strong start, thanks to a remarkable 94-run partnership between openers Shafali Verma and wicketkeeper Lizelle Lee. Verma scored 36 runs from 32 balls, hitting six boundaries, while Lee led the charge with an impressive 67 runs off 44 balls, including eight fours and three sixes.
Despite a hiccup when captain Jemimah Rodrigues fell for 21 runs off 14 balls, Laura Wolvaardt remained composed, finishing with an unbeaten 21 runs off 14 balls, which included three fours, securing the win for her team.
UP Warriorz Struggle with Batting Performance
Earlier in the match, the UP Warriorz, still searching for their first win, batted first after being put in by the Delhi Capitals. Following the early dismissal of Kiran Navgire for a duck, a partnership of 47 runs between Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield (27 runs off 20 balls, with five fours) helped stabilize the innings. Lanning and Harleen Deol then added 85 runs, with Deol retiring after scoring 47 runs off 36 balls, hitting seven fours.
Delhi's bowlers, particularly Marizanne Kapp (2 wickets for 24 runs in four overs), Shafali Verma (2 for 16 in four overs), and Shree Charani (1 for 29), effectively restricted the UP Warriorz to a total of 154 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs.
Milestone Achieved by Meg Lanning
In a notable achievement during the match, UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning became the third player to surpass 1,000 runs in the Women's Premier League. She was the leading scorer for her team, contributing 54 runs off 38 balls, which included nine fours and a six, achieving a strike rate of 142.11.
Over her career in 30 matches, Lanning has accumulated 1,050 runs at an average of 38.88, with a strike rate of 125.74, including ten half-centuries, with her highest score being 92. This season, she has scored 98 runs in three innings, averaging 32.66 with a strike rate nearing 114, making her the second-highest run-scorer in WPL history.