Current runners-up Delhi Capitals will look to shed the “bridesmaids” tag and book a place in their fourth consecutive final when they face an in-form Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League eliminator on Tuesday.

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One of the most consistent teams in the league’s short history, Delhi have once again negotiated the league stage successfully, finishing among the top three. They remain the only franchise to qualify for the playoffs in all four WPL seasons so far.

However, their 2026 campaign has been a mixed one. Delhi have registered four wins and four defeats, showing flashes of dominance but also lapses in consistency.

The Capitals’ bowling attack has been led by pacer Nandani Sharma, who has excelled at the death, claiming most of her 14 wickets in the final overs. She has been well supported by left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who also has 14 wickets to her name, while Marizanne Kapp has added experience and control with both bat and ball.

In the batting department, South Africans Laura Wolvaardt (241 runs) and Lizelle Lee (240) have provided stability at the top, though Shafali Verma’s inconsistent returns remain a concern. Delhi will, however, take confidence from skipper Jemimah Rodrigues rediscovering her rhythm under pressure in the previous game after an uneven season.

Gujarat Giants enter the eliminator riding a wave of momentum after bouncing back strongly from a three-match losing streak. They stitched together three consecutive wins to secure a playoff berth, highlighted by a confidence-boosting 11-run victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians, their first-ever win against the two-time title holders.

The Giants will also draw confidence from their dominant record against Delhi this season, having beaten them in both league encounters. Veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine played a decisive role in those wins and has been the standout performer of WPL 2026.

Devine currently leads the wicket charts with 17 scalps from eight matches and has also scored 237 runs, including two half-centuries, making her Gujarat’s biggest match-winner. Her all-round impact will once again be central to the Giants’ hopes of reaching their maiden WPL final.

Gujarat have also been encouraged by Georgia Wareham’s return to form, highlighted by a counter-attacking 44 off 26 balls against the Mumbai Indians. Additional responsibility will rest on experienced campaigners Beth Mooney and skipper Ashleigh Gardner to deliver in the crunch encounter.

The winner of the eliminator will take on former champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final on February 5.

The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm.

(By PTI Inputs)