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WPL 2026: Delhi Capitals Edge Out UP Warriorz in Last-Ball Thriller; Shafali & Lee Shine

Summary: Delhi Capitals Women (DCW) secured their first win of the WPL 2026 season in a thrilling last-ball finish against UP Warriorz (UPW) at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy. Chasing 155, a powerhouse opening stand between Lizelle Lee (67) and Shafali Verma (36) set the stage, before Laura Wolvaardt kept her cool to hit the winning boundary on the final delivery.

Delhi Capitals Women Clinch Nerve-Wracking 7-Wicket Victory Over UP Warriorz

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 season has truly come alive! In a Match 7 thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last delivery, Delhi Capitals Women (DCW) finally broke their duck, securing a stunning 7-wicket win over UP Warriorz (UPW). It was a game defined by shifting momentums, tactical "retired outs," and a final-ball boundary that sealed the deal at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy.

UP Warriorz Innings: A Tale of Two Halves

Meg Lanning’s Masterclass at the Top

Opting to bowl first, Delhi Capitals were immediately put under pressure by their former captain, Meg Lanning. Now leading the Warriorz, Lanning showed no mercy to her old teammates, crafting a brilliant 54 off 38 balls. Alongside Harleen Deol (47) and Phoebe Litchfield (27), she laid a solid foundation that looked set to propel UPW to a mammoth total.

The Strategic "Retired Out" Move

In a rare tactical move that sparked conversation across social media, Harleen Deol was "retired out" in the 17th over to bring in power hitters. While the intent was to maximize the death overs, the plan backfired as the Delhi bowlers found their rhythm.

The Great Collapse: DCW Bowlers Claw Back

From a comfortable 132/2, the Warriorz crumbled under the pressure of Marizanne Kapp (2/24) and an unexpectedly brilliant spell from Shafali Verma (2/16). UPW lost six wickets for just 24 runs in the final phase, finishing on 154/8.

The Chase: Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma Go Berserk

A Record Opening Stand

The Capitals knew they needed a fast start, and the duo of Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma delivered exactly that. Lee was in a destructive mood, smashing 67 runs off 44 balls, including 8 fours and 3 towering sixes.

Shafali Verma: The Ultimate All-Rounder

After her crucial two wickets with the ball, Shafali played the perfect foil to Lee, scoring a steady 36. Their 94-run partnership broke the back of the chase, leaving the middle order with a clear path to victory.

Final Over Drama: Laura Wolvaardt’s Ice-Cold Finish

The Spin Choke by Deepti Sharma

The game took one last twist when Deepti Sharma (2/26) removed both Lee and the DC captain Jemimah Rodrigues. The run rate began to climb, and with 5 runs needed off the final few balls, the pressure was immense.

Last Ball Heroics

With the scores almost level on the final delivery, Laura Wolvaardt (25)* stayed remarkably calm. Facing the world’s top-ranked bowler Sophie Ecclestone, Wolvaardt pierced the gap through the covers to find the fence, sparking wild celebrations in the Delhi dugout.

Player of the Match: Shafali Verma

For her game-changing spell of 4-0-16-2 and her crucial 36 runs at the top, Shafali Verma was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match trophy.

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What’s Next in WPL 2026?

The caravan stays in Navi Mumbai as the UP Warriorz have no time to mourn this loss. They face the mighty Mumbai Indians Women (MIW) in Match 8 tonight!

(Source-cricbuzz)

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