Navi Mumbai | January 14, 2026
Delhi Capitals finally opened their account in the 2026 Women’s Premier League with a nerve-shredding last-ball victory over UP Warriorz, ending a tense contest that swung repeatedly before being decided in the final delivery.
Chasing a competitive 154, Delhi Capitals appeared to be cruising for long stretches before late drama nearly turned the match on its head. Calm under pressure, Laura Wolvaardt held her nerve to strike the winning boundary off the final ball, sealing a seven-wicket win and sparing her side a dramatic collapse.
The chase was anchored by a commanding knock from Lizelle Lee, who continued her rich vein of form with 67 off 44 balls. Mixing timing with power, Lee punished anything loose, striking eight fours and three sixes to keep the required rate firmly under control. Her dismissal in the penultimate over, however, briefly reopened the contest and injected tension into the closing moments.
Earlier in the innings, Shafali Verma provided brisk support at the top, while Jemimah Rodrigues played a compact cameo before falling just before the finish, visibly frustrated at not seeing the chase through.
UP Warriorz had posted 154 for 8 after being well placed at one stage. Captain Meg Lanning top-scored with 54 from 38 balls, while Harleen Deol added momentum with 47 before being controversially retired out in search of late acceleration. The move, however, failed to deliver the desired surge.
Warriorz suffered a severe slump at the death, losing six wickets in the final five overs and managing only 24 runs in that period. The collapse proved costly, as a total that once promised more ultimately fell just short of being match-winning.
Delhi’s bowling effort was led by Marizanne Kapp, who finished with figures of 2 for 24 and bowled a composed final over under pressure. Sophie Ecclestone also impressed despite defending the last over, conceding minimal room but unable to prevent the decisive boundary.
For UP Warriorz, the defeat marked another near miss in the season, with promising phases undone by execution errors at crucial moments. Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, will take confidence from holding their nerve in a tight finish, a result that could prove significant as the tournament progresses.
Brief scores:
UP Warriorz 154/8 in 20 overs
Delhi Capitals 158/3 in 20 overs
Delhi Capitals won by 7 wickets
