Lizelle Lee Stars as Delhi Capitals Open WPL 2026 Account with 7-Wicket Win over UP Warriors

Mumbai: A commanding batting display from Lizelle Lee powered Delhi Capitals to their first victory of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, as they defeated UP Warriors by seven wickets in the seventh match of the tournament at the DY Patil Sports Academy on Wednesday. Chasing a modest target, the Capitals sealed the win with a boundary off the final ball, showcasing composure and depth after a disciplined bowling effort earlier in the evening.

After losing the toss, UP Warriors were asked to bat first but suffered an early setback when opener Kiran Navgire was dismissed for a duck on just the third ball of the innings, leaving the team scoreless. Captain Meg Lanning then attempted to steady the innings, forging a 47-run partnership for the second wicket with Phoebe Litchfield. Litchfield looked fluent before being dismissed for 27, but Lanning continued to anchor the innings with authority.

The experienced Australian found strong support in Harleen Deol, and the pair added a crucial 85-run partnership for the third wicket, which briefly put UP Warriors in control. Lanning played a typically elegant knock of 54 off 38 balls, striking nine boundaries and a six, while Deol contributed a brisk 47 off 36 deliveries before being retired out in a tactical move to accelerate the scoring in the final overs. However, the decision did not yield the desired momentum.

Delhi Capitals staged an impressive comeback with the ball at the death. Marizanne Kapp and Shafali Verma picked up two wickets apiece, applying sustained pressure, while Nandini Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Shree Charani chipped in with a wicket each. UP Warriors, who appeared well set for a higher total, eventually stumbled to 154 for 8 in their 20 overs.

In reply, Delhi Capitals began their chase with intent as openers Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee laid a strong foundation. The duo put together a commanding 94-run opening partnership in 11.3 overs, effectively taking the game away from UP Warriors. Shafali was the first to depart after scoring 36 off 32 balls, including six fours, but Lee continued to dominate the bowling.

Lee’s blistering knock of 67 off 44 balls, studded with eight fours and three sixes, kept Delhi well ahead of the required rate. After her dismissal, Laura Wolvaardt played a calm and composed unbeaten innings of 25, while Jemimah Rodrigues added a handy 21, ensuring there were no late hiccups. Delhi reached the target with three wickets in hand, finishing the chase dramatically with a boundary off the final delivery. For UP Warriors, Deepti Sharma claimed two wickets, while Asha Joy took one.

With this win, Delhi Capitals moved to fourth place on the points table, having won one of their three matches, while UP Warriors slipped to fifth after losing all three of their games so far.

Despite the defeat, the match marked a significant personal milestone for Meg Lanning, who became the third player to cross 1,000 runs in WPL history, joining Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur. Lanning now has 1,050 runs in the league, making her one of the most consistent and impactful batters since the WPL’s inception.

Lanning’s achievement reflects her sustained excellence across seasons, including her highly successful tenure as Delhi Capitals captain from 2023 to 2025, where she led the franchise to three consecutive runner-up finishes. Released ahead of WPL 2026, she was picked up by UP Warriors and entrusted with leadership duties once again. While her landmark knock added a historic touch to the contest, it was Lizelle Lee’s match-winning brilliance that ultimately stole the spotlight and put Delhi Capitals back on the winning track in WPL 2026.

WPL 2026 – Match 7

Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriors
Venue: DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai

UP Warriors – 154/8 (20 Overs)

• Meg Lanning (c): 54 (38 balls, 9 fours, 1 six)
• Harleen Deol: 47 (36 balls) retired out
• Phoebe Litchfield: 27
• Extras: —
• Fall of wickets: Kiran Navgire 0, Litchfield 47, others at regular intervals

Bowling (Delhi Capitals):

• Marizanne Kapp: 2 wickets
• Shafali Verma: 2 wickets
• Nandini Sharma: 1 wicket
• Sneh Rana: 1 wicket
• Shree Charani: 1 wicket

Delhi Capitals – 155/3 (20 Overs)

(Won by 7 wickets)

• Lizelle Lee: 67 (44 balls, 8 fours, 3 sixes)
• Shafali Verma: 36 (32 balls, 6 fours)
• Laura Wolvaardt: 25*
• Jemimah Rodrigues: 21*

Bowling (UP Warriors):

• Deepti Sharma: 2 wickets
• Asha Joy: 1 wicket

Result

Delhi Capitals won by 7 wickets