The environment on the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, was electrical on February 3, 2026, because the WPL 2026 Eliminator unfolded between Gujarat Giants (GG) and Delhi Capitals (DC). In a high-stakes encounter that felt like a now or by no means second for the Capitals, Jemimah Rodrigues led her aspect to a medical seven-wicket victory. Chasing 169, Delhi’s batters turned the chase right into a dash, reaching the goal in simply 15.4 overs to safe their fourth consecutive WPL last look and arrange a blockbuster summit conflict towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Delhi Capitals’ marketing campaign underneath Jemimah Rodrigues
The 2026 season marked a historic transition for Delhi as Rodrigues stepped into the captaincy function. Her management has been outlined by a human-first method, specializing in tactical flexibility and empowering younger Indian abilities like Nandini Sharma. Regardless of early stress and two slim losses to Gujarat within the league stage, Jemimah’s calm manner helped the squad shed their final-fret nerves and peak at precisely the proper second.
Rodrigues’ captaincy reached its zenith within the Eliminator. After her bowlers, led by Chinelle Henry’s three-wicket haul, restricted the Giants, Jemimah walked out to play a captain’s knock of 41 off 23 balls. Her means to mix aggressive stroke-play with strategic strike rotation ensured that the inspiration laid by the openers wasn’t wasted. Below her steerage, the group has remodeled from a star-studded lineup right into a cohesive, resilient unit that trusts the method over the outcome.
Additionally READ: Ashleigh Gardner reveals key reason behind Gujarat Giants’ heartbreaking WPL 2026 eliminator defeat vs Delhi Capitals
DC’s highway to the ultimate’ in WPL 2026: All 9 matches
The highway to the 2026 last was a rollercoaster of feelings, requiring the Capitals to navigate a grueling schedule with grit and tactical shifts:
- Match 1 vs MI: The season opener started with a heavy 50-run defeat towards the defending champions Mumbai Indians. Chasing 200, DC’s high order collapsed early, leaving an excessive amount of for the center order to bridge regardless of a spirited effort.
- Match 2 vs GG: A heartbreaking 4-run loss in a high-scoring thriller the place DC did not seek out 209. Regardless of a late surge, Sophie Devine’s demise bowling stored the Capitals simply inches away from their first win.
- Match 3 vs UPW: This was the turning level the place DC secured a dominant 7-wicket victory to open their account. Laura Wolvaardt hit the profitable boundary off the ultimate ball to cap off a disciplined bowling efficiency.
- Match 4 vs RCB: A tactical masterclass noticed DC overcome the table-toppers by Marizanne Kapp’s all-round brilliance. Her miserly spell and essential runs within the center order silenced the Bengaluru crowd and boosted DC’s confidence.
- Match 5 vs MI: Revenge was candy as DC dismantled the MI high order to safe a cushty 30-run victory. The win was highlighted by a half-century from Rodrigues, signalling her return to kind.
- Match 6 vs GG: One other slim loss to the Giants fueled the bogey group narrative as DC fell quick by simply 3 runs. It was a wake-up name that highlighted the necessity for higher execution in pressure-cooker finishes.
- Match 7 vs UPW: A medical all-round efficiency ensured DC remained within the hunt for the playoffs with a 5-wicket win. Kapp’s three wickets broke the again of the UPW chase, making the goal manageable.
- Match 8 vs RCB: In a high-pressure encounter, Shafali Verma’s explosive power-hitting secured a top-three end. Her quick-fire begin allowed the center order to navigate the chase comfortably and lock within the Eliminator spot.
- The Eliminator (Match 9) vs GG: Essentially the most full efficiency of the season noticed DC rout the Giants by 7 wickets in Vadodara. Lizelle Lee and Verma’s 89-run opening stand successfully ended the competition earlier than the tenth over.
With the ultimate scheduled for February 5, 2026, the Capitals once more stand one win away from ending their title drought. After three consecutive silver medals, the Rodrigues-led aspect appears to be like primed to lastly raise the trophy.
Additionally READ: Sarah Taylor reveals how WPL accelerated women’s cricket in India
This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times firm.
