Could Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma's Stellar Performances Lead Delhi Capitals to Victory in a Last-Over Nail-biter?
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Synopsis
In an electrifying clash, Delhi Capitals triumphed over UP Warriorz by seven wickets thanks to stellar performances from Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma. This victory marks their first win under the leadership of Jemimah Rodrigues, showcasing thrilling moments leading to a nail-biting finish.
Key Takeaways
- Lizelle Lee scored a vital 67 runs.
- Shafali Verma contributed significantly with both bat and ball.
- Delhi Capitals managed to turn around their performance with this win.
- The match had an intense finish, showcasing the competitiveness of the WPL.
- UP Warriorz's decision to retire a player impacted their momentum.
Navi Mumbai, Jan 14 (NationPress) Lizelle Lee’s aggressive batting, complemented by Shafali Verma’s versatile contributions, set the stage for Delhi Capitals’ inaugural triumph under captain Jemimah Rodrigues. They narrowly escaped another last-over thriller, clinching victory over UP Warriorz by seven wickets in the seventh encounter of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, marking their first points on the table.
The finale was thrilling, with Laura Wolvaardt sealing the match with a composed finish, securing the win on the last ball.
Delhi’s earlier success was built on a disciplined bowling effort. Shafali Verma (2-11), Marizanne Kapp (2-14), and Shree Charani (1-29) excelled in restricting UP Warriorz to a mere 154 for 8.
Despite losing the toss, Meg Lanning, the captain of Warriorz, was the standout performer with 54 runs, while Harleen Deol contributed 47 runs off 36 balls. A significant turning point was when UP’s head coach Abhishek Nayar decided to retire Deol after the 17th over, which led to a dramatic collapse as UP failed to maintain momentum.
In pursuit of 155 runs, the Capitals started aggressively. Both Lee and Verma dismantled UP's bowling attack, amassing 94 runs in just over 11 overs. Verma scored a brisk 36 off 32 balls, striking six fours before she was caught by Deepti Sharma. Lee continued her dominance, reaching half-century in just over 31 balls but was dismissed for an impressive 67 off 44 balls.
Wolvaardt stabilized the innings at No. 3, guiding the chase with poise. Jemimah Rodrigues added a quickfire 21 off 14 balls. As the match approached its conclusion, with seven runs needed from eight balls, Rodrigues attempted a risky shot off Deepti and was caught, leading to a tense finale.
Sophie Ecclestone entered the last over needing to defend six runs. The over began with a dot ball, followed by a boundary from Kapp. Despite some tight deliveries that brought UP back into the game, a failed LBW review led to a leg bye that tied the scores on the penultimate delivery.
With one run required off the last ball, Wolvaardt kept her cool, hitting a drive through the covers for four. She concluded unbeaten with 25 off 24 balls, as the Capitals finally secured a thrilling seven-wicket victory.
Brief scores:
UP Warriorz 154/8 in 20 overs (Meg Lanning 54, Harleen Deol 47; Shafali Verma 2/16, Marizanne Kapp 2-24) lost to Delhi Capitals 158/3 in 20 overs (Lizelle Lee 67, Shafali Verma 36; Deepti Sharma 2-26, Asha Sobhana 1-20) by seven wickets.
Point of View
it is clear that the Women's Premier League is capturing the attention of cricket fans nationwide. This match showcased the talent and determination of players like Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma, emphasizing the growing popularity of women's cricket. The thrilling nature of the game not only entertains but also inspires future generations of athletes.
NationPress
14/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
Delhi Capitals scored 158 runs for 3 wickets, defeating UP Warriorz, who scored 154 runs for 8 wickets.
Who were the standout players in the match?
Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma were the standout players for Delhi Capitals, while Meg Lanning led the scoring for UP Warriorz.
Where was the match played?
The match was held at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
How did Delhi Capitals perform in their previous matches?
This match marked Delhi Capitals' first win of the season in the Women's Premier League.
What was the critical moment in the match?
The critical moment was when Wolvaardt successfully hit a boundary on the last ball to secure the win.
