In a nerve-shredding finish that went down to the final delivery, the Delhi Capitals clinched their first victory of the WPL 2026 season, defeating the UP Warriorz by seven wickets in a dramatic chase at the Brabourne Stadium. The winning runs came fittingly from the bat of Laura Wolvaardt, who carved a boundary off Sophie Ecclestone to spark wild celebrations in the DC camp.
The foundation for the victory was laid by a blistering opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee. The duo took apart the UP bowling attack from the outset, adding a rapid 94 runs in just 11.3 overs. Lizelle Lee was in particularly destructive form, smashing 67 off 44 balls, an innings laced with 5 fours and 4 sixes, providing the early momentum that defined the innings.
UP Warriorz fought back valiantly through their spinners. Asha Sobhana broke the opening stand by dismissing Shafali Verma for 34, while Deepti Sharma (2/31) removed the dangerous Lee and later Jemimah Rodrigues (18) at a critical juncture in the 19th over, injecting late drama into the contest.
With 10 needed off the final over bowled by the experienced Sophie Ecclestone, the tension was palpable. Marizanne Kapp managed a boundary off the second ball, but with 4 required off the last two deliveries and Wolvaardt on strike, the game hung in the balance. Displaying ice-cool composure, the South African star leaned into a drive and sent the ball racing past extra cover for four, securing a heart-stopping win for her team.
Laura Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on a crucial 25, having also hit a massive six earlier, while Kapp provided valuable support with 5 in the tense finale.
For the UP Warriorz, it was a case of a below-par total (157/6) and an opening assault that proved too costly to overcome, despite a fighting effort from their bowlers in the death overs. The Delhi Capitals, however, will breathe a huge sigh of relief, having crossed the line in a thriller to open their points tally for the season.
