WPL 2026 Match 17: Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women – Preview

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, 27th January 2026
• Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
• Start Time: 14:00 GMT | 19:30 IST | 19:30 Local

Team Form and Analysis

Gujarat Giants Women (GG W)

Gujarat Giants have shown signs of recovery, ending a three-game losing streak with a 45-run victory over UP Warriorz Women in their last match. Led by captain Ashleigh Gardner, the Giants have a well-rounded squad with Sophie Devine and Rajeshwari Gayakwad emerging as key performers. Devine has been in sublime form, scoring 50 in their last game and taking crucial wickets, while Gayakwad's 3-wicket haul in the same game underlined her importance in the middle and death overs.

Gardner, with 243 runs at an average of 30.37 and a strike rate of 164.18, remains the anchor of the innings. The Giants' bowling attack is spearheaded by Kashvee Gautam (11 wickets at 18.18 economy) and Devine, who has taken 11 wickets at an average of 16.09.

Delhi Capitals Women (DC W)

Delhi Capitals are in excellent form, having recently defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women by 7 wickets. Their batting lineup, led by Lizelle Lee (219 runs in 6 innings at 36.5 average), has been consistent, while Shafali Verma and Laura Wolvaardt have provided crucial support with the bat. In the last match, Wolvaardt scored 42 runs, and Marizanne Kapp contributed with 19 runs and 2 wickets.

The Capitals' bowling has been a key strength, with Nandani Sharma emerging as the top wicket-taker, having claimed 13 wickets at an average of 14.15. Shree Charani and Kapp have also been instrumental in tight situations, especially in the death overs.

Players to Watch

Gujarat Giants Women

• Ashleigh Gardner (Captain) – The experienced captain has been the mainstay in the middle order.
• Sophie Devine – A match-winner with both bat and ball, Devine has been in scintillating form.
• Rajeshwari Gayakwad – Provides crucial breakthroughs and is a consistent wicket-taker.
• Kashvee Gautam – A rising fast bowler with a good economy rate and match-winning potential.

Delhi Capitals Women

• Lizelle Lee (Captain) – The top run-scorer of the tournament with a strike rate of 141.
• Shafali Verma – A dynamic all-rounder with a proven record in the shortest format.
• Nandani Sharma – Delhi’s most successful bowler in the tournament.
• Marizanne Kapp – Provides balance with her all-round skills and match-winning ability.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Gujarat Giants: 2 wins
• Delhi Capitals: 3 wins

Despite the Giants' recent upturn in form, the Capitals have the edge in the head-to-head, having won three of the last five encounters.

Venue Insights (Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara)

The Kotambi Stadium has a clear trend in T20 cricket, favoring teams batting second. The average first-innings score in 2026 is 148.50, and chasing sides have a win rate of 80%. The pitch is expected to offer some assistance to spinners in the middle overs, with a fair amount of grip and turn. Death overs are likely to remain lively, making it crucial for bowlers to maintain tight lines and control.

Bowling Averages and Economy Rates (2026):

• Fast Bowlers: Average – 25.36; Economy – 7.54
• Spin Bowlers: Average – 23.68; Economy – 7.86

Wickets Per Phase:

• Powerplay Overs (1-6): 1.60 wickets
• Middle Overs (7-15): 2.75 wickets
• Death Overs (16-20): 2.00 wickets

Squads

Gujarat Giants Women

• Ashleigh Gardner (c), Beth Mooney (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Shivani Singh (wk), Bharti Fulmali, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Kanika Ahuja, Sophie Devine, Kim Garth, Anushka Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Tanuja Kanwar, Renuka Singh, Titas Sadhu, Georgia Wareham, Happy Kumari, Ayushi Soni

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, Nandani Sharma

Match Predictions (Pre-Play)

• Toss Winner: Delhi Capitals
• Match Winner: Delhi Capitals
• Top Batter: Lizelle Lee (Delhi Capitals), Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants)
• Top Bowler: Nandani Sharma (Delhi Capitals), Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants)
• Most Sixes: Jemimah Rodrigues (Delhi Capitals), Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants)
• Player of the Match: Nandani Sharma or Shafali Verma (Delhi Capitals)
• Team Scores:
  • Delhi Capitals: 150+
  • Gujarat Giants: 145+

Key Player Statistics

• Shafali Verma: Delhi Capitals win 21% of matches when she scores over 50.
• Bharti Fulmali: 22% boundary rate in 19 international innings.
• Kanika Ahuja: Only 33% of balls faced are dots in her 13 international innings.
• Nandani Sharma: Takes more than 3 wickets in 33% of her international innings.
• Renuka Singh: Economy below 6.00 in 46% of her games, with 67% of wickets taken during Powerplay.

Final Verdict

The match between Delhi Capitals Women and Gujarat Giants Women promises to be a thrilling encounter. Delhi, in better form and with a stronger bowling attack, are slight favorites, especially on a pitch that favors chasing teams. However, Gujarat's resurgence and the all-round threat of Sophie Devine could make this a closely contested game. The toss could be crucial, with the Capitals likely to win it and choose to bowl first.

Stay tuned for a high-octane battle of skill and strategy in the 17th match of the WPL 2026.
“`