Delhi Capitals secured their inaugural Women’s Premier League victory with a dominant seven‑wicket chase, thanks to Lizelle Lee’s rapid 62‑run blitz and crucial contributions from Shafali Varma and Jemimah Rodrigues. The win against UP Warriorz lifts the Capitals off the bottom of the table and signals a turning point in their 2026 campaign.
Match Summary
UP Warriorz won the toss and elected to bat, but Delhi pacer Nupur Soni struck early, restricting them to 115 runs. In response, Lizelle Lee opened aggressively, blasting 62 runs off 33 balls with six fours and three sixes. Her partner Jemimah Rodrigues added a steady 38 off 28, and Shafali Varma finished unbeaten on 45 off 22, guiding Delhi to a comfortable seven‑wicket win with seven balls to spare.
Key Performances
Lizelle Lee’s Powerplay
Lee’s 62 runs set the tone early, exploiting the pitch’s flat nature and putting pressure on the Warriorz bowlers. Her strike rate of 188.00 and boundary count highlighted her intent to dominate the opening overs.
Shafali Varma’s All‑Round Impact
Coming in at 50/3, Varma accelerated the chase with an unbeaten 45 off 22 and contributed 2 wickets for 12 runs, showcasing her emerging all‑round capabilities.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ Stability
Rodrigues’ composed 38 off 28 anchored the innings after a brief wobble, providing the platform for Varma’s late surge.
Season Context
After two winless outings—a narrow loss to Mumbai Indians and a rain‑affected tie with Royal Challengers Bangalore—the Capitals entered this match under pressure. The victory restores confidence and demonstrates the squad’s depth, featuring international talents like Lee and England’s Anya Shrubsole alongside homegrown stars.
Implications for the Capitals
With the win, Delhi moves to third place in a four‑team pool, level on points with Mumbai Indians but ahead on net run rate. Coach Heinrich Miller praised the collective effort, calling the performance a “blueprint” for future matches.
Future Outlook
Next up, the Capitals face defending champions Chennai Super Kings. Expect a tactical battle where Delhi will rely on its top‑order firepower while seeking tighter control in the death overs. The team’s momentum after this breakthrough win could prove decisive in the tightly contested group stage.