Vadodara, Feb 1 (NationPress) Laura Wolvaardt emerged as the top scorer with 47 runs, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed an unbroken 34 as the Delhi Capitals clinched a playoff spot in the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) by defeating UP Warriorz by five wickets at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on Sunday.

The seasoned pace bowling all-rounder Marizanne Kapp took three wickets in a disciplined bowling performance, restricting UPW to 122/8. The UPW innings lacked momentum, with Shikha Pandey providing a late spark with 23 runs off 13 balls in an otherwise uninspired display.

Simran Shaikh posed a threat with a rapid 22 before being dismissed, as DC consistently took wickets at regular intervals. The relentless bowling from Kapp, Chinelle Henry, and Sree Charani resulted in seven wickets, effectively choking UPW's scoring rate and denying them the ability to create meaningful partnerships, highlighting their recurring struggles in the tournament.

The chase of 123 runs was not without its challenges, as DC found themselves wobbling late in the innings needing 22 runs off the final two overs. However, Jemimah maintained her composure, guiding her team to victory with an unbeaten 34 runs off 18 balls. Laura stabilized the innings with a knock that included seven boundaries.

With just 122/8 on the board, UPW struggled due to their inability to post a competitive total and poor catching. Despite showing glimpses of resistance, they failed to present a serious challenge to DC. Consequently, DC will face the Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator, while UP Warriorz and the defending champions Mumbai Indians exit the competition.

The match began with Chinelle Henry striking on the very first ball, trapping UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning lbw for a duck. Deepti Sharma and Charli Knott managed to hit a total of six boundaries, but Marizanne Kapp struck again in her second over, dismissing Charli Knott with a short ball that resulted in a catch.

Kapp ended the power-play by deceiving Deepti with a slower delivery, leading to her catch at cover. UPW's struggles continued as Harleen Deol was trapped lbw by Charani, and Deandra Dottin was also removed via lbw after a review on Marizanne.

Simran Shaikh attempted to counterattack, hitting Kapp for a four and later scoring back-to-back boundaries off Minnu Mani. However, UPW's downfall continued as Minnu's yorker caught Shipra Giri off guard, leading to a catch at cover, while Simran's resistance ended when Chinelle had her caught at mid-off.

Asha Sobhana briefly lifted the spirits with a slog-sweep six off Sneh Rana, but Charani ended her innings by having her caught at long-on. Shikha Pandey provided some late fireworks, scoring 23 not out off 13 balls, but DC maintained control at the halfway mark.

DC's chase began shakily, with Lizelle Lee miscuing a slower delivery off Deandra Dottin. Laura quickly found her rhythm, driving and pulling with authority, despite being dropped twice. Shafali Verma also began to settle in after a successful review overturned an lbw decision.

By the ninth over, the partnership had flourished, with Laura striking four elegant boundaries off Kranti Gaud. The second-wicket stand of 73 runs was broken when Deepti Sharma lured Laura into a lofted drive, which was magnificently caught at long-on. Shafali, who struggled initially, fell shortly after for 29.

With DC at 100/5, the chase appeared unstable. Yet, Jemimah kept her nerves intact, sweeping Deepti for four, then lofting Asha Sobhana over extra cover. With Niki Prasad providing support, Jemimah hit consecutive boundaries off Deepti in the 19th over to equal the scores before sealing the victory with a cover-driven four, securing a spot in the playoffs for DC.

Brief Scores: UP Warriorz 122/8 in 20 overs (Deepti Sharma 24, Simran Shaikh 22; Marizanne Kapp 3-30, Sree Charani 2-22) lost to Delhi Capitals 126/5 in 18.4 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 47, Jemimah Rodrigues 34 not out; Deepti Sharma 2-27, Shikha Pandey 1-17) by five wickets