The atmosphere at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, was electric on February 3, 2026, as the WPL 2026 Eliminator unfolded between Gujarat Giants (GG) and Delhi Capitals (DC). In a high-stakes encounter that felt like a now or never moment for the Capitals, Jemimah Rodrigues led her side to a clinical seven-wicket victory. Chasing 169, Delhi’s batters turned the chase into a sprint, reaching the target in just 15.4 overs to secure their fourth consecutive WPL final appearance and set up a blockbuster summit clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Delhi Capitals’ campaign under Jemimah Rodrigues
The 2026 season marked a historic transition for Delhi as Rodrigues stepped into the captaincy role. Her leadership has been defined by a human-first approach, focusing on tactical flexibility and empowering young Indian talents like Nandini Sharma. Despite early pressure and two narrow losses to Gujarat in the league stage, Jemimah’s calm demeanour helped the squad shed their final-fret nerves and peak at exactly the right moment.
Rodrigues’ captaincy reached its zenith in 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 ability to blend aggressive stroke-play with strategic strike rotation ensured that the foundation laid by the openers wasn’t wasted. Under her guidance, the team has transformed from a star-studded lineup into a cohesive, resilient unit that trusts the process over the result.
DC’s road to the final’ in WPL 2026: All 9 matches
The road to the 2026 final was a rollercoaster of emotions, requiring the Capitals to navigate a grueling schedule with grit and tactical shifts:
- Match 1 vs MI: The season opener began with a heavy 50-run defeat against the defending champions Mumbai Indians. Chasing 200, DC’s top order collapsed early, leaving too much for the middle order to bridge despite a spirited effort.
- Match 2 vs GG: A heartbreaking 4-run loss in a high-scoring thriller where DC failed to hunt down 209. Despite a late surge, Sophie Devine’s death bowling kept the Capitals just inches away from their first win.
- Match 3 vs UPW: This was the turning point where DC secured a dominant 7-wicket victory to open their account. Laura Wolvaardt hit the winning boundary off the final ball to cap off a disciplined bowling performance.
- Match 4 vs RCB: A tactical masterclass saw DC overcome the table-toppers through Marizanne Kapp’s all-round brilliance. Her miserly spell and crucial runs in the middle order silenced the Bengaluru crowd and boosted DC’s confidence.
- Match 5 vs MI: Revenge was sweet as DC dismantled the MI top order to secure a comfortable 30-run victory. The win was highlighted by a half-century from Rodrigues, signalling her return to form.
- Match 6 vs GG: Another narrow loss to the Giants fueled the bogey team narrative as DC fell short by just 3 runs. It was a wake-up call that highlighted the need for better execution in pressure-cooker finishes.
- Match 7 vs UPW: A clinical all-round performance ensured DC remained in the hunt for the playoffs with a 5-wicket win. Kapp’s three wickets broke the back of the UPW chase, making the target manageable.
- Match 8 vs RCB: In a high-pressure encounter, Shafali Verma’s explosive power-hitting secured a top-three finish. Her quick-fire start allowed the middle order to navigate the chase comfortably and lock in the Eliminator spot.
- The Eliminator (Match 9) vs GG: The most complete performance of the season saw DC rout the Giants by 7 wickets in Vadodara. Lizelle Lee and Verma’s 89-run opening stand effectively ended the contest before the tenth over.
With the final scheduled for February 5, 2026, the Capitals again stand one win away from ending their title drought. After three consecutive silver medals, the Rodrigues-led side looks primed to finally lift the trophy.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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