Delhi Capitals Clinch Last-Ball Thriller Over UP Warriorz In Navi Mumbai

NAVI MUMBAI—In a match that echoed the high-scoring drama of the league’s early years, the Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a nail-biting seven-wicket victory against the UP Warriorz (UPW) on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Chasing a target of 155 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Delhi reached the finish line off the final ball of the game, finally getting their 2026 campaign up and running.

1. The Collapse: From 180-Plus to 154

UP Warriorz looked set for a massive total during a dominant middle-over stretch led by former Aussie captain Meg Lanning and Harleen Deol.

• The Partnership: Lanning (54 off 38) and Harleen (47 off 36) added 85 runs for the third wicket, taking UPW to 112/2 in just 12 overs.
• The Tactical Blunder: In a move that left fans and experts baffled, UPW head coach Abhishek Nayar gestured for a well-set Harleen Deol to “Retire Out” at the end of the 17th over to bring in more power.
• The Result: The gamble failed spectacularly. UPW lost six wickets for just 24 runs in the final five overs, managing zero boundaries after Lanning’s dismissal in the 16th. They finished at a below-par 154/8.

2. Shafali Verma: The All-Round X-Factor

India opener Shafali Verma proved to be the difference-maker on both sides of the ball.

• With the Ball: Her “quirky” off-spin strangled the Warriorz’ momentum, finishing with standout figures of 2/16 in 4 overs, including 14 dot balls.
• With the Bat: She played a disciplined second-fiddle to Lizelle Lee, contributing 36 off 32 balls in a 94-run opening stand that essentially broke the back of the chase.

3. Lizelle Lee’s Destruction and Wolvaardt’s Calm

Following her 86 in the previous game, South African veteran Lizelle Lee continued her rich vein of form.

• The Innings: Lee smashed 67 off 44 balls, featuring 8 fours and 3 sixes, dismantling UPW’s spin-heavy attack during the Powerplay.
• The Tense Finish: After Lee and captain Jemimah Rodrigues (21) fell, the chase became uncomfortably close. With 1 run needed off the final delivery, Laura Wolvaardt (25* off 24) remained composed, driving Sophie Ecclestone through the covers for a boundary to seal the win.

Match Summary