Thrilling Last-Ball Drama: Delhi Capitals Edge UP Warriorz in WPL 2026 Nail-Biter!

In a heart-pounding encounter at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, Delhi Capitals secured their first win of the WPL 2026 season, defeating UP Warriorz by seven wickets in a last-ball thriller on January 14, 2026.[1][2][3]

Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues won the toss and elected to bowl first. UP Warriorz, bringing in Chloe Tyron for Deandra Dottin, started strongly with captain Meg Lanning smashing a half-century (54 off 38 balls) and forming a key partnership with Harleen Deol, who scored 47 off 36 balls.[1][2][5]

A controversial decision saw Harleen Deol retired out in the 17th over—the second such instance in WPL history after Ayushi Soni—aiming to accelerate, but it backfired spectacularly.[2][3][4] Delhi's bowlers, led by Marizanne Kapp (2/24), Shafali Verma (2 wickets), and others including Sneh Rana, Nandini Sharma, and Shree Charani, triggered a collapse. UP Warriorz lost their last six wickets for just 20-24 runs in the death overs, finishing at 154/8.[1][2][3]

Chasing 155, Delhi Capitals roared back with a fiery 94-run opening stand. Lizelle Lee, in destructive form for the second match running, blazed 67 off 44 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes), reaching her second successive half-century off 31 balls. Shafali Verma contributed 36 off 32 (6 boundaries) before falling to Deepti Sharma.[1][2][3]

The chase turned tense after Jemimah Rodrigues' dismissal for 21 off 12, leaving DC needing 7 off the final over from Sophie Ecclestone. Marizanne Kapp hit a crucial four, and Laura Wolvaardt (25* off 24) sealed victory with another boundary on the last ball.[1][2][3]

This win gives Delhi Capitals two vital points after two prior losses, while winless UP Warriorz remain at the bottom following three defeats. Lee's form strengthens her case for a South Africa comeback, highlighting DC's batting depth and resilience.[1][2]

The match showcased WPL's growing intensity, with standout performances underscoring the league's competitive edge.