DPL 2026: Central Delhi Queens batter Monika eyes playoff push after first win
Synopsis
Central Delhi Queens ended a three-match losing run in the 2026 Women's DPL with a nail-biting three-run win over North Delhi Strikers — and batter Monika, who top-scored with 47, says the team must now win both remaining games to reach the playoffs. With four consecutive DDCA centuries behind her, Monika is the form player Central Delhi will rely on.
Key Takeaways
Central Delhi Queens beat North Delhi Strikers by three runs at Arun Jaitley Stadium on 28 August 2026 , their first win of the DPL 2026 season.
Batter Monika top-scored with 47 off 42 balls and anchored a key 44-run partnership with Arushi Goel (22) .
Central Delhi Queens posted 125/7 in 20 overs; North Delhi spinner Apeksha Anand took 4 for 17 .
Ayush Soni's 51 gave North Delhi a late scare, but off-spinner Deeksha Sharma defended 6 runs off the final 3 balls.
Monika, who had hit four consecutive centuries in the local DDCA league , called on the team to win both remaining matches and qualify for the playoffs.
Central Delhi Queens batter Monika has urged her side to sustain the winning momentum following the team's first victory in the 2026 Women's Delhi Premier League (DPL), with playoff qualification still within reach if they win their remaining two fixtures. The call came after a tense three-run win over North Delhi Strikers at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday, 28 August, ending a three-match losing streak for the Queens.
Monika's Match-Winning Knock
Monika top-scored for Central Delhi with a composed 42-ball 47, anchoring the innings at a critical juncture when wickets were tumbling at regular intervals. 'It feels really good to get our first win after three defeats. We just need to maintain this momentum and try to win our last two matches as well,' she said after the match.
Reflecting on her approach during what was effectively a must-win game, Monika described keeping it simple under pressure. 'There was no specific plan. We just wanted to score as many runs as possible. The wickets were falling regularly, and there was pressure, so the main focus was to stay positive and contribute to the team,' she said.
How the Match Unfolded
Batting first, Central Delhi Queens posted 125/7 in 20 overs. Openers Deeksha Sharma and Nidhi Mahto added 27 runs before falling in quick succession. Monika then steadied the innings with a crucial 44-run partnership alongside Arushi Goel, who contributed 22. North Delhi spinner Apeksha Anand was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 17.
In reply, North Delhi Strikers were reduced to 65/2 in 13 overs before Ayush Soni revived the chase with a fighting 51. With six runs needed off the final three balls, off-spinner Deeksha Sharma held her nerve to defend the target and seal a nerve-wracking win for the Queens.
Monika's Form and the Bigger Picture
Notably, Monika had smashed four consecutive centuries in the local DDCA league ahead of the DPL, underlining her credentials as one of the standout batters in the Delhi women's circuit. She credited the high volume of back-to-back fixtures for sharpening the team's collective game.
'Playing back-to-back matches gives you a lot of positives. We learn a lot from every game, including the matches we lose. Those experiences help us understand our mistakes and improve as a team. We will try our best to win both matches and hopefully qualify for the playoffs,' she said.
What's Next for Central Delhi Queens
With two matches remaining, Central Delhi Queens must win both to give themselves a realistic shot at the playoffs. The victory over North Delhi Strikers has injected fresh belief into the camp, and the team will look to Monika's batting form and Deeksha Sharma's all-round contributions to carry them through the business end of the tournament.
Point of View
As it nearly did here. The DPL's value lies precisely in these pressure-cooker scenarios — they are the closest simulation to knockout cricket that most of these players will get outside national selection pathways.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Central Delhi Queens vs North Delhi Strikers DPL 2026 match?
Central Delhi Queens defeated North Delhi Strikers by three runs in a nail-biting encounter at Arun Jaitley Stadium on 28 August 2026. Batting first, Central Delhi posted 125/7, and their bowlers — led by off-spinner Deeksha Sharma in the final over — held off a late North Delhi charge to win.
Who is Monika and why is she significant in DPL 2026?
Monika is a batter for Central Delhi Queens in the 2026 Women's Delhi Premier League. She top-scored in the team's first win with 47 off 42 balls and had previously hit four consecutive centuries in the local DDCA league, making her one of the standout performers in Delhi women's cricket this season.
Can Central Delhi Queens qualify for the DPL 2026 playoffs?
Yes, playoff qualification remains possible for Central Delhi Queens. Monika has stated the team needs to win both their remaining matches to secure a spot in the playoffs. Their first win of the tournament, after three consecutive defeats, has revived their chances.
Who were the key performers in the Central Delhi vs North Delhi Strikers match?
Monika (47 off 42 balls) and Arushi Goel (22) were the top scorers for Central Delhi, while Apeksha Anand took 4 for 17 for North Delhi. Ayush Soni's fighting 51 nearly won it for North Delhi, but Deeksha Sharma defended the target in the final over.
What is the Women's Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026?
The Women's Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 is an ongoing T20 women's cricket tournament held in Delhi, featuring city-based franchise teams. Matches are played at Arun Jaitley Stadium, and the tournament serves as a key platform for emerging women cricketers in the Delhi circuit.
