The atmosphere at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara was electric on February 3, 2026. WPL 2026 Eliminator opened between Gujarat Giants (GG) and Delhi Capitals (DC). In a high-stakes matchup that felt like a now-or-never moment for the Capitals, Rodrogue led his side to a clinical seven-wicket win. Chasing 169, Delhi’s batsmen turned the chase into a sprint, reaching the target in just 15.4 overs to secure their fourth consecutive WPL final appearance, setting up a blockbuster summit clash. 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. His leadership has been defined by a man-first approach, focusing on tactical agility and nurturing young Indian talent. Nandini Sharma. Despite early pressure and two narrow losses for Gujarat in the league stage, Jemimah’s calm demeanor helped the team shed any last jitters and peak at just the right moment.
Rodrigues’ captaincy peaked in the Eliminator. After being led by his bowlers Chinelle Henry’s A three-wicket haul, the Giants restricted, Jemimah went on to play a captain’s knock off 41 off 23 balls. His ability to mix his aggressive stroke play with strategic strike rotation ensured that the foundation laid by the Keys was not wasted. Under his leadership, the team went from a star-studded lineup to a cohesive, solid unit that relied on process over results.
DC’s road to the finals in WPL 2026: All 9 matches
The road to the 2026 finals was a rollercoaster of emotions, requiring the Capitals to navigate a grueling schedule with tough and tactical changes:
- 1 vs MI Match: 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 the middle order with little to bridge despite a strong effort.
- 2 matches with GG: A heartbreaking 4 run loss in a high scoring thriller where DC failed to chase down 209. Despite the delayed growth, Sophie DevineDeath bowling kept the Capitals inches away from their maiden victory.
- Match 3 vs UPW: It was a turning point as DC cruised to a dominant 7-wicket win to open their account. Laura Volwardt hit a winning boundary off the last ball to cap off a disciplined bowling performance.
- 4 matches against RCB: A tactical masterclass saw DC defeat the table tops Marizanne Kapp all-round brilliance. His miserly spell and crucial runs in the middle order silenced the Bengaluru crowd and boosted DC’s confidence.
- 5 vs MI Match: Revenge was sweet as DC dismantled MI’s top order to secure a comfortable 30-run win. The win highlighted a half-century from Rodrigues and signaled his return to form.
- 6 matches with GG: Another slight loss to the Giants reinforced the team’s narrative with DC only 3 runs behind. This was a wake-up call highlighting the need for better execution in pressure cooker finishes.
- Match 7 vs UPW: A clinical all-round performance ensured DC stayed in the play-off hunt with a 5-wicket victory. Kapp’s three wickets broke the back of the UPW chase and made the target manageable.
- 8th vs RCB: In a high-pressure encounter, Shafali Verman explosive power hitting secured the top three. His quick-fire start allowed the middle order to comfortably control the chase and lock in the Eliminator spot.
- Eliminator (Match 9) vs GG: The most complete performance of the season saw DC beat the Giants by 7 wickets in Vadodara. Lizelle Lee and Verma’s opening stand of 89 runs effectively ended the contest before the tenth over.
With the final scheduled for February 5, 2026, the Capitals are one more win away from ending their championship drought. After three silver medals in a row, the Rodrigues-led side look set to finally lift the trophy.
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This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
