Delhi Capitals Overcome Late Wipeout to Secure Playoff Spot

Delhi Capitals have secured a spot in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 playoffs, defeating UP Warriorz by five wickets in their last league match. Marizanne Kapp's three-wicket haul restricted UP Warriorz to 122/8, and Delhi Capitals chased the target with ease, thanks to Laura Wolvaardt's 47 and Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten 34. This win also knocked Mumbai Indians out of the playoffs. Delhi Capitals will face Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator on February 3, with the winner advancing to the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on February 5. Delhi Capitals (DC) had a nail-biting finish, needing 27 off 36 balls with Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues at the crease. Shafali wasn't playing her usual game, struggling on a surface where the ball was holding a bit, and was even dropped earlier. Her dismissal was a testament to her off-form, as she clunked a half-tracker from Shikha Pandey to cover-point. Marizanne Kapp's dismissal five balls later added to DC's woes, as she went for a big shot and got caught at mid-off. Wolvaardt was the beneficiary of two early dropped catches and a half-chance. She pulled a shortish ball towards midwicket in the fourth over but Sophie Ecclestone couldn't hang on. In the next over, Dottin at backward point only got her fingertips to a hard slash. And then in the seventh over, Asha couldn't hang on to a sitter at short third when Wolvaardt hopped and cue-ended her cut. Gaud's second over then afforded Wolvaardt the chance to cut loose and she hit four fours in the ninth over. Chinelle Henry's dismissal added to Delhi Capitals' pressure, but Jemimah Rodrigues stepped up, leading the team to a thrilling win. Her unbeaten 34, with clever runs and precise shots, sealed DC's playoff spot. Rodrigues' calm under pressure was key, guiding DC past the finish line. Mumbai Indians' title defence ends as Delhi Capitals secure playoffs! Jemimah Rodrigues' calm finish sealed it for DC, knocking MI out. DC's consistency pays off, qualifying for playoffs in all four seasons. Delhi Capitals 126 for 5 (Wolvaardt 47, Rodrigues 34*, Deepti 2-27) beat UP Warriorz 122 for 8 (Deepti 24, Pandey 23*, Kapp 3-30, Charani 2-22) by five wickets