WPL 2026 Match 7: Delhi Capitals Women vs UP Warriorz Women

Date: Wednesday, 14th January 2026
Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Start Time: 02:00 PM GMT | 07:30 PM Local | 07:30 PM IST

Match Preview

The seventh match of the WPL 2026 season promises an intriguing clash between Delhi Capitals Women and UP Warriorz Women, two teams looking to turn their fortunes around after a difficult start to the tournament. With the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai set to host the game, fans can expect a high-scoring encounter under the lights, as the venue has historically favored batters, especially in the second innings.

Delhi Capitals Women: The Chasing Specialists

Delhi Capitals, despite two consecutive losses, still possess a strong batting line-up and a promising young bowling unit. The overseas trio of Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, and Chinelle Henry has been the backbone of their batting, with Wolvaardt being the standout performer. Her consistency and ability to anchor the innings will be crucial for Delhi.

The bowling department, however, has been a concern. Nandini Sharma has shouldered most of the responsibility and has delivered with seven wickets at an economy of 8.42 so far. If Delhi can manage to strike a balance between batting and bowling, they could find themselves in a strong position.

UP Warriorz Women: A New Unit in Need of Direction

The UP Warriorz, under a new setup, are yet to find their rhythm. Their batting has been inconsistent, but the likes of Phoebe Litchfield and Deandra Dottin have shown glimpses of brilliance. Litchfield, in particular, has been in scintillating form, scoring 98 runs in two games at a strike rate of 49.

The bowling unit, however, has been a bright spot. Shikha Pandey and Sophie Ecclestone have been the standout performers, offering control and variation. If UP can maintain their composure and execute their plans, they could potentially exploit Delhi's batting weaknesses.

Head-to-Head

In the last five meetings, Delhi Capitals hold the upper hand with three wins. However, the UP Warriorz have managed to win the last two of those three encounters, indicating a growing confidence in their side. The recent form and the toss could be decisive factors in this high-stakes match.

Venue Insights

The Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy has seen a steady increase in first-innings scores in recent years, with an average of 181.60 in 2026. The pitch tends to assist batters, especially in the second innings, due to the dew factor. Teams chasing have a better win percentage (65.2%) here, which could influence both sides' strategies.

Key Players to Watch

• Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals): The South African star is Delhi’s most reliable batter and could be the key to a successful chase.
• Nandini Sharma (Delhi Capitals): The young pacer has been instrumental in Delhi's bowling efforts and will be crucial to contain the opposition.
• Phoebe Litchfield (UP Warriorz): The Australian opener has been in excellent form and could be the difference-maker for UP.
• Shikha Pandey (UP Warriorz): The experienced leg-spinner is the go-to option for UP, offering both control and wicket-taking ability.

Squads

Delhi Capitals Women:

• Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Lizelle Lee (wk), Taniya Bhatia (wk), Madiwala Mamatha (wk), Deeya Yadav, Niki Prasad, Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Lucy Hamilton, Marizanne Kapp, Alana King, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandini Sharma.

UP Warriorz Women:

• Meg Lanning (c), Shipra Giri (wk), Kiran Navgire (wk), Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield, Pratika Rawal, Simran Shaikh, Gongadi Trisha, Deandra Dottin, Charli Knott, Shikha Pandey, Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, Asha Sobhana, Chloe Tryon, Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Gaud, Suman L Meena.

Match Predictions (Pre-Play)

• Toss Winner: Delhi Capitals
• Match Winner: Delhi Capitals
• Top Batter Runs Scored: Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals) / Phoebe Litchfield (UP Warriorz)
• Top Bowler Wickets Taken: Nandini Sharma (Delhi Capitals) / Shikha Pandey (UP Warriorz)
• Most Sixes: Chinelle Henry (Delhi Capitals) / Phoebe Litchfield (UP Warriorz)
• Player of the Match: Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals)
• Team Scores Batting First: Delhi Capitals 170+ / UP Warriorz 160+

Final Verdict

This match is expected to be a close contest, with both sides having the firepower to post competitive totals. However, Delhi Capitals' recent form and better balance in the batting and bowling departments give them a slight edge. If they can capitalize on the conditions and execute their plans, they could emerge victorious in this crucial WPL 2026 encounter.

Catch all the action as Delhi Capitals Women take on UP Warriorz Women at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on 14th January 2026 at 02:00 PM GMT.
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