The final league-stage match of WPL 2026 is set to take place at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, where Delhi Capitals (DC) will face UP Warriorz (UPW) on February 1. On paper, both teams remain in the race for the one remaining Eliminator spot, along with the defending champions, the Mumbai Indians (MI).
For DC, the equation is simple. A win will be enough to secure qualification. However, if they lose, the Net Run Rate (NRR) will come into play to decide which team (MI/DC/UPW) progresses to face Gujarat Giants (GG) in the Eliminator on February 3. Hence, MI will also keep a close watch on this encounter.
For UPW, the situation is far more complicated. Even if they finish level on points with the other teams, they will need a massive improvement in their NRR to stay alive. Still, Meg Lanning has an opportunity to spoil the party for her former franchise, DC.
In the reverse fixture in Navi Mumbai, the contest went down to the last ball, with DC emerging victorious by seven wickets. However, this venue has not been a happy hunting ground for UPW. They are yet to win a match here, having lost all four games played at the Kotambi Stadium.
Standings
Delhi Capitals: 4th position, 7 matches – 3 wins, 4 losses, 6 points, NRR -0.164
UP Warriorz: 5th position, 7 matches – 2 wins, 5 losses, 4 points, NRR -1.146
Qualification scenario
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- A win will take DC to eight points and confirm their place in the Eliminator.
• A loss will mean DC, MI, and UPW all finish with six points. In that case, NRR will decide the final standings.
UP Warriorz (UPW)
- A win will take UPW to six points. That will result in UPW, MI, and DC being level on points, with NRR becoming the deciding factor.
• A loss will knock UPW out of the tournament. That result will see DC qualify for the Eliminator with eight points, while the defending champions, MI, will also be eliminated.
Head-to-head record in the WPL
Overall: 7 matches – DC 5, UPW 2
At Kotambi Stadium: 1 match – DC 1, UPW 0
DC record at Kotambi Stadium: 6 matches – Won 4, Lost 2
UPW record at Kotambi Stadium: 4 matches – Lost 4
What happened in the first meeting of this edition?
Batting first, UPW posted 154/8 in 20 overs. Skipper Lanning scored 54 off 38, while Phoebe Litchfield added 27. Harleen Deol looked in good touch on a tricky surface, scoring 47 off 36. However, the decision to retire her out backfired as UPW collapsed from 132/2 to 154/8. For DC, Shafali Verma and Marizanne Kapp picked up two wickets each, while Nandni Sharma, N Shree Charani, and Sneh Rana claimed one apiece.
In reply, DC put on a 94-run opening stand between Shafali (36) and Lizelle Lee (67). Skipper Jemimah Rodrigues added 21, while Laura Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 25 as DC sealed the chase off the final ball with seven wickets in hand. Deepti Sharma took two wickets for UPW, while Asha Sobhana picked up one. Shafali was named the Player of the Match for her all-round contribution.
Players to watch out for
DC – Lizelle Lee
In her debut WPL season, Lizelle Lee has been a consistent performer for DC. She has often provided brisk starts and her communication with opening partner Shafali has worked well. The pair have complemented each other effectively. In seven innings, Lee has scored 230 runs at an average of 32.85 and a strike-rate of 138.55, including two half-centuries. She has also been safe with the gloves. In a must-win game like this, Lee will be a key factor for DC.
UPW – Deepti Sharma
Deepti’s WPL 2026 has been below expectations. Questions have been raised about the team management and Lanning’s use of her, both with the bat and the ball. Her batting position has changed throughout the season. In the last game against RCB, she was promoted to open after Kiran Navgire was dropped and responded with 55 off 43 on a difficult surface. Overall, she has scored 107 runs in six innings. With the ball, she has taken five wickets in seven innings at an economy of 9.04.
Probable Playing XIs
DC
Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (WK), Jemimah Rodrigues (C), Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Chinelle Henry, Minnu Mani, Sneh Rana, Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma.
UPW
Meg Lanning (C), Simran Shaikh, Amy Jones (WK), Harleen Deol, Chloe Tryon, Deepti Sharma, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud.
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