WPL 2026 Eliminator: Gujarat Giants Post 168/7, Set 169-Run Target for Delhi Capitals

Vadodara: Gujarat Giants put up a competitive total of 168 for 7 against Delhi Capitals in the Eliminator of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the BCA Stadium on Tuesday, setting up a stiff chase of 169 runs for a place in the final. The winner of the high-stakes encounter will go on to face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the summit clash.

Asked to bat first after losing the toss, Gujarat Giants endured a shaky start as they lost star all-rounder Sophie Devine early. Devine departed for just 6 runs with the team score reading 9, putting immediate pressure on the batting unit. However, wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney once again showcased her composure and big-match temperament to steady the innings.

Mooney stitched together a vital 29-run partnership with Anushka Sharma for the second wicket, helping the Giants recover from the early blow. The stand came at a brisk pace, but just as the innings appeared to gain momentum, Gujarat suffered a double setback. At 38 runs on the board, Anushka Sharma was dismissed for 16, and on the very next delivery, captain Ashleigh Gardner was sent back for a golden duck, leaving the Giants reeling.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, Mooney continued to anchor the innings. She first added 21 runs with Kanika Ahuja for the fourth wicket before forging a match-defining partnership with Georgia Wareham. The duo combined for a crucial 61-run stand for the fifth wicket, taking Gujarat Giants to a position of strength and pushing the total beyond the 120-run mark.

Georgia Wareham played a valuable supporting role, scoring 35 runs off 25 balls, providing much-needed momentum in the middle overs. While the Giants lost wickets at the other end, Mooney remained unflustered and ensured the innings stayed on track.

Beth Mooney eventually finished unbeaten on 62 off 51 balls, an innings laced with six boundaries. Her calm and controlled knock proved to be the backbone of Gujarat Giants’ innings and guided the team to a competitive total on a pressure-filled night.

For Delhi Capitals, Chinelle Henry was the standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 3 for 35. Nandini Sharma chipped in with two wickets, while Minnu Mani claimed one wicket, keeping the Giants from crossing the 170-run mark.

With 169 runs needed to secure a spot in the WPL 2026 final, Delhi Capitals face a challenging chase under lights, while Gujarat Giants will look to defend their total with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.

Team Scores:
Gujarat Giants: 168/7 (20 overs)
Target for Delhi Capitals: 169 runs

Gujarat Giants Playing XI:
Ashleigh Gardner (Captain), Beth Mooney (Wicketkeeper), Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma, Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwer, Renuka Singh Thakur, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Delhi Capitals Playing XI:
Jemimah Rodrigues (Captain), Lizelle Lee (Wicketkeeper), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Nikki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Sri Charan, Nandini Sharma

Team Maverick.