Delhi Capitals campaign led by Jemimah Rodrigues
The 2026 season marked a historic transition for Delhi as Rodrigues took on the role of captain. Her leadership is defined by a people-centric approach, with an emphasis on tactical flexibility and nurturing young Indian talents Nandini Sharma. Despite early pressure and two narrow defeats to Gujarat in the league stage, Jemimah’s calm demeanor helped the side shake off nerves and peak at just the right time.
Rodrigues’ captaincy culminated in the Eliminator. After her bowlers, led by Chinelle Henrys three-wicket haul, restricted the Giants, Jemimah walked out to play a captain’s knock of 41 off 23 balls. Her ability to combine aggressive strokeplay with strategic stroke rotation ensured that the foundation laid by the openers was not lost. Under her leadership, the team has transformed from a star-studded lineup to a cohesive, resilient unit that values process over outcome.
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DC’s Road to the Finals’ in WPL 2026: All 9 Matches
The road to the 2026 finals has been a rollercoaster of emotions, forcing the Capitals to follow a grueling schedule of perseverance and tactical shifts:
- Match 1 vs MI: The season opener started with a tough 50-point defeat to the defending champions Mumbai Indians. Chasing 200, DC’s top order collapsed early, leaving too much for the middle order to overcome despite a spirited effort.
- Match 2 vs GG: A heartbreaking four-run loss in a high-scoring thriller that saw DC fail to chase 209. Despite a late rise, Sophie Devine‘s death bowling kept the Capitals inches away from their first win.
- Match 3 vs UPW: This was the turning point where DC recorded a dominant 7 wicket win to open their account. Laura Wolvaardt Hit the winning boundary off the last ball to complete a disciplined bowling performance.
- Match 4 vs RCB: During a tactical masterclass, DC conquered the top players Marizanne Kapp all-round brilliance. Her stingy spell and crucial runs in the middle order silenced the Bengaluru crowd and boosted DC’s confidence.
- Match 5 vs MI: Revenge was sweet as DC dismantled MI’s top order and secured a comfortable 30-run win. The win was highlighted by a half-century from Rodrigues, meaning she was back in form.
- Match 6 vs GG: Another close loss to the Giants fueled the bogey team narrative as DC fell just three points short. It was a wake-up call that highlighted the need for better execution of pressure cooker finishes.
- Match 7 vs UPW: A clinical all-round performance kept DC in the hunt for the play-offs with a 5-wicket win. Kapp’s three wickets broke the back of the UPW chase, making the target manageable.
- Match 8 vs RCB: In a high-pressure encounter, by Shafali Verma explosive power-hitting fueled a top-three finish. Her fast start allowed the middle order to comfortably navigate the chase and lock down the Eliminator spot.
- The Eliminator (match 9) vs. GG: In the most complete performance of the season, DC defeated the Giants by 7 wickets in Vadodara. Lizelle Lee and Verma’s opening stand of 89 runs effectively ended the match before the tenth was over.
With the final scheduled for February 5, 2026, the Capitals are once again one win away from ending their title drought. After three consecutive silver medals, the Rodrigues-led team looks set to finally lift the trophy.
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
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