WPL 2026: Delhi Capitals Edge Out Opponents in Last-Over Thriller as Lee and Verma Star
Lizelle Lee’s explosive 67 and Shafali Verma’s all round brilliance propel Delhi Capitals to a dramatic seven-wicket win over UP Warriorz at Dr DY Patil Stadium.
Navi Mumbai, Jan 15 : Delhi Capitals opened their WPL 2026 account with a thrilling seven-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in a high pressure chase at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Lizelle Lee’s commanding 67 off 44 balls, combined with Shafali Verma’s impactful 36-run knock and tight bowling, laid the foundation for the Capitals’ win under captain Jemimah Rodrigues.
Laura Wolvaardt held her nerve in a tense finish, sealing victory with a boundary off the final delivery of the match.
Bowling brilliance sets the stage
UP Warriorz, batting first, were restricted to 154/8 thanks to a disciplined bowling effort by Delhi Capitals. Shafali Verma (2/11), Marizanne Kapp (2/14), and Shree Charani (1/29) led the charge, curbing runs at crucial stages. Meg Lanning top-scored for UP with 54, while Harleen Deol added 47 off 36 balls. A controversial decision by UP’s coach Abhishek Nayar to retire Deol in the 17th over backfired, triggering a collapse that hampered their total.
Delhi chase dominated by Lee and Verma
The Capitals began their chase aggressively, with Lee and Verma putting on 94 runs in just over 11 overs. Verma hit six fours in her 36 off 32 balls before being dismissed in the 12th over. Lee carried on, reaching a rapid half-century, and eventually fell for 67 after a miscue in the 15th over.
Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a quickfire 21 off 14 balls, but the match went down to a thrilling last over with seven runs required. With the field set in tight and one run needed off the final ball, Laura Wolvaardt calmly drove the ball through the covers for four, finishing unbeaten on 25 off 24 balls.
Brief scores:
UP Warriorz 154/8 in 20 overs (Meg Lanning 54, Harleen Deol 47; Shafali Verma 2/16, Marizanne Kapp 2/24) lost to Delhi Capitals 158/3 in 20 overs (Lizelle Lee 67, Shafali Verma 36; Deepti Sharma 2/26, Asha Sobhana 1/20) by seven wickets.
Delhi Capitals’ win highlighted their batting depth and composure under pressure, signaling a strong start to their WPL 2026 campaign.
