Two winless teams in the ongoing WPL 2026 so far, Delhi Capitals (DC) and UP Warriorz (UPW), are all set to lock horns on January 14 at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Both teams are undergoing a fresh phase under new captains — Jemimah Rodrigues for DC and Meg Lanning for UPW —, but till now, things have not gone according to plan.
UPW began their campaign with a narrow 10-run loss against Gujarat Giants (GG) before being completely outplayed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). DC, on the other hand, suffered a heavy 50-run defeat against the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), in their season opener. That was followed by a heartbreaking four-run loss against GG. DC were well placed while chasing a mammoth 208-run target, needing just seven runs off the final six balls with seven wickets to spare, but surprisingly failed to cross the line.
This contest also carries emotional value. Meg Lanning represented DC for the first three WPL seasons and led the franchise to three consecutive finals. Now, for the first time, she will be facing her former team. The big question remains — will DC finally open their account by handing Lanning and UPW a third straight defeat, or will Lanning get the better of her former side to secure UPW’s first points of the season?
Interestingly, UPW were hunted down by their former teammate Grace Harris in the clash against RCB, and now, while facing DC, they will be up against another former teammate, Chinelle Henry. Therefore, how she does against her former team remains to be seen.
Standings
Delhi Capitals: 4th position, 2 games – 2 losses, 0 points, NRR -1.350
UP Warriorz: 5th position, 2 games – 2 losses, 0 points, NRR -2.443
Head-to-Head record in the WPL
Overall: 6 matches – DC 4, UPW 2
At DY Patil Stadium: 1 match – DC 1, UPW 0
DC record at DY Patil Stadium: 7 matches – Won 4, Lost 3
UPW record at DY Patil Stadium: 7 matches – Won 2, Lost 5
Players to watch out for
Delhi Capitals – Nandni Sharma
The 24-year-old pacer from Chandigarh found a place in the history books against Gujarat Giants by claiming a five-wicket haul that included a hat-trick. She became the fourth player to take a hat-trick in WPL history and only the second Indian after Deepti Sharma. With seven wickets in two games, Nandni is currently the purple cap holder.
More than the wickets, it is her character that has stood out. Her strength lies in bowling a consistent wicket-to-wicket line and length. In both matches so far, a clear pattern has emerged. She began her spell with an expensive first over but made a strong comeback immediately after.
Against MI, she conceded 11 runs in her first over and a wicket, but gave away only 15 runs in her next two overs, including a wicket. Against GG, she went for 16 runs in her opening over but conceded just 17 runs in the remaining three overs, picking up five wickets. It reflects her belief, adaptability, and ability to respond under pressure.
UP Warriorz – Deepti Sharma
UPW’s poor start to the season has coincided with Deepti Sharma’s struggles, especially with the ball. After a memorable ODI World Cup where she was named Player of the Tournament, expectations were high. However, in two matches so far, Deepti has conceded 57 runs in 6.1 overs without taking a wicket, at an economy of 9.34.
With the bat, she managed just one run against GG but played a crucial knock against RCB, scoring an unbeaten 45. Her unbeaten 93-run partnership with Deandra Dottin helped UPW recover to a respectable 143 after losing five wickets for 50 runs. Questions have also been raised over Meg Lanning’s usage of Deepti’s overs. How Deepti performs with the ball against DC will be vital for UPW’s chances.
Probable Playing XIs
DC
Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (WK), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (C), Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Chinelle Henry, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, N Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma
UPW
Kiran Navgire, Meg Lanning (C), Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Shweta Sehrawat (WK), Deandra Dottin, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud
NOTE: This match is going to be played behind closed doors of the DY Patil Stadium without spectators because of the scheduled Municipal Corporation Elections in Navi Mumbai on January 15, 2026.
Also Read: MI vs GG, WPL 2026: Can in-form Gujarat Giants finally break MI jinx in WPL?
