Delhi Capitals finally secured their first win of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) as Lizelle Lee continued her destructive form, guiding the team past UP Warriorz by seven wickets in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday. After a shaky start and a tense final over, Delhi Capitals emerged victorious in a thrilling contest.
Lizelle Lee Leads the Charge
Lizelle Lee was at her best once again, smashing 67 off 44 balls with eight fours and three sixes. Following her 86-run knock in the previous game, Lee has reinforced her claim for a national comeback. Her innings formed the backbone of Delhi Capitals’ run chase and ensured her team maintained momentum despite late-order jitters.
Tense Chase and Crucial Contributions
The match stretched to the final delivery as DC struggled to close out the game earlier. Laura Wolvaardt played a vital supporting role with 25 not out off 24 balls, hitting the winning four on the last ball. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 21 off 12 but was dismissed in the penultimate over, visibly disappointed for not staying till the end.
UP Warriorz Batting Collapse
UP Warriorz, led by Meg Lanning, posted a below-par total of 154 for eight. A collapse in the final five overs saw them lose six wickets for just 24 runs. Captain Lanning top-scored with 54 off 38 balls, while Phoebe Litchfield scored 27 before being stumped by Sneh Rana in the powerplay.
Controversial Retirement of Harleen Deol
In a tactical move, DC retired Harleen Deol on 47 during the 17th over, a decision that drew attention. Despite this, the Warriors’ final overs failed to yield significant runs. This marked the second retirement out in WPL history, following Ayushi Soni of Gujarat Giants.
Other Key Performances
Shafali Verma impressed with 36 off 32 balls at the top of the order for DC, striking twice in the 20th over to finish off the game. Marizanne Kapp emerged as the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 24 runs in her four-over spell. These contributions, combined with Lee’s explosive innings, were pivotal in securing the Capitals’ first win of the season.
Impact on WPL 2026 Standings
This victory provides a much-needed boost for DC, who had lost their first two matches. UP Warriorz remain winless, facing questions about their top-order stability and finishing under pressure. DC now look ahead to their next WPL 2026 encounter with increased confidence.
Conclusion
DC’ first win of WPL 2026 highlights the importance of star performances and team resilience. Lizelle Lee’s bat, combined with key contributions from Wolvaardt, Rodrigues, and Kapp, ensured a thrilling finish. As the season progresses, the Capitals will aim to build momentum while UP Warriorz will need to address their batting collapses to stay competitive.
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