WPL: DC Chase Fourth Consecutive Final as Confident Giants Stand in the Way

Delhi Capitals are back in familiar territory — the playoffs — but this time, the route is anything but familiar. Three seasons of league-stage dominance brought them three table-tops and three heartbreaks. Now, starting from the eliminator, Capitals are navigating the longer, harsher road, hoping it finally leads to a fourth straight appearance in the final — and perhaps a different ending.

Standing in their path are Gujarat Giants, a side that looks transformed from its earlier versions. Playing an eliminator for the second season running, the Giants carry a noticeably calmer, more assured presence. Continuity has been their greatest ally, and under Ashleigh Gardner’s leadership, they have embraced a style that prioritises belief over convention.

That confidence was best illustrated in their recent do-or-die clash against Mumbai Indians, when Gujarat chose to bat first — a rarity in the WPL, achieved only once in the tournament’s first 41 matches. It was a decision rooted in clarity, not caution.

A key driver of Gujarat’s late-season surge has been Sophie Devine. At the top of the order, she has dictated tempo with the bat, while her clever use of slower balls and cutters on tired surfaces has made the Giants increasingly difficult to read. Her impact has been complemented by a strong show of faith in younger players — a departure from the franchise’s earlier seasons.

Anushka Sharma has grown comfortably into the No. 3 role and is already being spoken of as a future India prospect. Kashvee Gautam has been trusted with the new ball, while Bharti Fulmali’s explosive late-order cameos earlier in the season have even reopened doors for an international return after a seven-year absence. Head coach Michael Klinger has repeatedly spoken about this philosophical shift — and the results are now visible.

Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, remain a team built around balance rather than predictability. Their opening pair of Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma can tear games apart in the powerplay, but it is the middle overs that often determine DC’s fate. Jemimah Rodrigues’ fluency against spin and Laura Wolvaardt’s stabilising presence will be vital if Capitals are to control that phase.

With the ball, DC have leaned heavily on spin to squeeze opposition line-ups, particularly those heavy on right-handers. Sneh Rana and N Shree Charani have shouldered that responsibility with consistency. The emergence of Nandani Sharma has added depth, especially at the death — a luxury DC lacked after failing to secure Shikha Pandey at the auction. Her presence has also eased the workload on Marizanne Kapp, their go-to option with the new ball.

The eliminator sets up a fascinating contrast in approaches. Gujarat prefer to bat first and build pressure; Delhi have thrived while chasing. Each side will be nudged out of its comfort zone — and composure may matter as much as skill.

Players to Watch

Georgia Wareham enters the spotlight once again. After playing a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign last season, she is now doing the heavy lifting for Gujarat. Her unbeaten 44 off 26 balls, followed by figures of 2 for 26 against Mumbai Indians, highlighted her all-round value. Her duel with Rodrigues in the middle overs could shape the contest.

For DC, Shree Charani’s journey has been a mix of grit and resilience. While her fielding struggles have drawn attention, her bowling has remained unwavering. Her four-wicket haul against the Giants last week halted what threatened to be a 200-plus total. Against Gujarat’s right-hand-heavy middle order, her spells could once again prove decisive.

Conditions and Pitch

Batting has become noticeably easier in Vadodara as the tournament has progressed. With the BCCI’s head curator overseeing preparations, surfaces have offered truer bounce and better value for shots. Cooler evenings are no longer bringing heavy dew, reducing the traditional toss advantage and placing greater emphasis on execution.

Numbers That Matter

Gujarat Giants boast a 5–1 record when batting first this season — the best such record in a single WPL edition

Sophie Devine is just two wickets away from becoming the highest wicket-taker in a WPL season

Devine has dismissed Lizelle Lee 11 times in 23 innings

All five of Gujarat’s wins this season have come batting first; all four of DC’s victories have been successful chases

DC’s Nandani Sharma and Shree Charani are joint second among Indian bowlers for wickets in a WPL season

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