Delhi Capitals finally opened their account in the Women’s Premier League 2026 with a composed seven-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in a closely fought match on Wednesday. The win marked a significant moment for Jemimah Rodrigues’ side, while UP Warriorz remained rooted without a victory after suffering their third consecutive defeat.
Chasing a target of 155, Delhi produced their best batting effort of the season, led by an explosive opening stand between Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee. The pair took the attack to the UP bowlers from the outset, racing to a 94-run partnership that set the tone for the chase.
Verma played the aggressor early on, scoring 36 off 32 balls with six boundaries before being dismissed. Lee, however, continued to anchor the innings, striking a well-paced 67 from 44 deliveries, an innings decorated with eight fours and three sixes.
Despite the strong start, Delhi briefly found themselves under pressure when they lost quick wickets in the middle overs. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues fell for 21 off 14 balls, raising concerns of another late stumble. However, Laura Wolvaardt showed composure under pressure, guiding the Capitals home with an unbeaten 21 off 14 balls, including three timely boundaries, as Delhi crossed the line with seven wickets in hand.
Earlier, UP Warriorz were asked to bat first and endured a shaky start after Kiran Navgire was dismissed for a duck. The innings was steadied through a crucial partnership involving Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield, who scored 27 off 20 balls with five fours.
The Warriorz then built momentum through a substantial 85-run stand between Lanning and Harleen Deol. Deol played a fluent knock before retiring out on 47 from 36 deliveries, hitting seven fours to lift the scoring rate.
However, despite the recovery, UP Warriorz were unable to fully capitalise at the death, finishing with a total that proved just short of being competitive against a confident Delhi batting unit.
