Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz Highlights, WPL 2026: DC Qualify For Eliminator With 5-Wicket Win

And then there were three - A journey that began on 9th January with 5 teams is now down to 3, with the Mumbai Indians and the UP Warriorz bowing out. This is the first time in WPL history that MI have failed to reach the playoffs, while UPW, who made the playoffs in the inaugural season, have missed out in each edition since. Up next is the Eliminator on Tuesday, 3rd February, where the Gujarat Giants will take on the Delhi Capitals here in Vadodara. The winner of that encounter will square off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the summit clash on 5th February. The first ball of the Eliminator will be bowled at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but as always, you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye

Marizanne Kapp is the Player of the Match - While she was uncharacteristically expensive, Kapp picked up three crucial wickets, finishing with figures of 3/30 in her four overs. Marizanne admits it is difficult to be completely satisfied when one aspect of her game is not quite there, but says the win and qualification matter most. She is pleased to have contributed at an important moment and feels bowling later in the innings can work in her favour. Kapp adds that picking up early wickets in the powerplay gives any side a strong chance of winning, and she is happy to have made those breakthroughs. Believes that pressure is always there, especially as an international leading the bowling attack. While she may not have taken as many wickets as she would have liked earlier in the tournament, she stresses that as long as the team keeps winning, she is content.

The captain of the Delhi Capitals - Jemimah Rodrigues says that they were always assured that they were a good side. Adds that for today's game, everyone was calm. She mentions that T20 cricket is never easy for the bowlers and their bowlers have done well so far. Adds that they always stick to their strengths and ends by saying that it was all about winning today, and they never thought about the run rate.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

The head coach of the Delhi Capitals - Jonathan Batty smiles and says that his side has made hard work of a few run chases, but says he is really proud of the group. He highlights Jemimah Rodrigues’ outstanding season, noting how she has grown as a leader with every game and showed real leadership with the bat in this game. Batty reflects on a rollercoaster campaign where the team failed close out chases in a couple of games, but feels they have learned along the way. Shares that he is pleased to have qualified for the playoffs with a slightly different squad, pointing out that the core group has stood up at key moments. He adds that challenges are expected with a new captain in place and says that he is really proud of the group. On facing the Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator, he hopes that they are third time lucky against them.

The captain of the UP Warriorz - Meg Lanning says that they had some chances towards the end, but it was always difficult to defend 122. Adds that they lacked consistency and they failed to build partnerships, so it has been a disappointing season for them. She says that they had a low total to defend, so she used their best bowlers at the start. Ends by saying that she is still enjoying her cricket and she will be here next season as well.

UPW's batting effort - Earlier, after the toss went their way, DC could not have asked for a better start, with Meg Lanning falling on the very first ball of the game. Charli Knott and Deepti Sharma looked to throw caution to the wind, but their stays were cut short, and no partnership of substance developed. Losing three wickets inside the powerplay, UP Warriorz never quite recovered. A late cameo from Shikha Pandey helped the Warriorz scrape their way to 122.

DC overcame the wobble - Laura Wolvaardt struck a flurry of boundaries that helped set Delhi free, even as Shafali continued to search for fluency. With the Capitals seemingly in control at 84/1, a sudden wobble saw them slide to 101/5. What they needed were calm heads, and none was calmer than skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, who guided her side home with composure.

What might have been for the Warriorz - It was a laboured stay for Shafali Verma, while her opening partner Lizelle Lee could not make much of an impact. Powerplay bowling had been one of the concerns for UP Warriorz this season, but they were much improved on the night through Deandra Dottin and Shikha Pandey. One can only wonder how things might have unfolded had either of the two regulation chances offered by Laura Wolvaardt been taken, especially with Shafali struggling at the other end.

The Capitals are Eliminator-bound! Not the most convincing chase you will ever see, but one that gets the job done for the Delhi Capitals. It is unfamiliar territory for a side that has secured a direct berth to the final in each of the past three seasons, but they remain on course in their pursuit of a maiden title. With this result, the Mumbai Indians see their title defence come to an end, while Meg Lanning's UP Warriorz will finish at the bottom.

FOUR! Jemimah Rodrigues takes the Delhi Capitals to the Eliminator of WPL! Flatter, just outside off, Jemimah Rodrigues takes a step forward and drives it in the gap through cover for a boundary. Delhi Capitals beat UP Warriorz by 5 wickets!

FOUR! Scores are level now! Short ball, just outside off, Jemimah Rodrigues moves to her right and pulls it elegantly through backward square leg for a boundary.

Nice and full, on middle and leg, Niki Prasad nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

Quicker, on middle and leg, Niki Prasad blocks it to short mid-wicket.

FOUR! Delhi Capitals are almost there! Just 6 needed now. Flatter, just outside off, Jemimah Rodrigues gets down on one knee and drives it magnificently over extra cover for a boundary.

In the air... safe! Flighted up, outside off, Jemimah Rodrigues looks to drive it but gets it off the outer half. The ball lands safely over backward point. They collect two runs.

Turn and bounce, just outside off, Jemimah Rodrigues gets low and looks to sweep it but misses. The keeper whips the bails off. The umpire goes upstairs to have a check. Ultra Edge shows a flat line and replays show that Jemimah Rodrigues' back leg was well inside the crease.

Tossed up, just outside off, Niki Prasad punches it through cover for another single.

Short, turning away, Jemimah Rodrigues waits for the ball and slaps it to extra cover for a run.

Much fuller, just outside off, Niki Prasad knocks it through mid off for a single.