WPL Eliminator: Delhi Capitals Bowl First Against Gujarat Giants in High-Stakes Clash

The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Under the bright Bangalore lights at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the WPL Eliminator between Delhi Capitals Women (DCW) and Gujarat Giants Women (GGW) has kicked off with a bold tactical call: DCW captain Meg Lanning has won the toss and elected to bowl first.

With a spot in the next playoff round—and a chance to challenge the mighty Mumbai Indians—on the line, this winner-takes-all contest is more than just a game. It’s a battle for legacy, redemption, and a place in WPL history. And as the first ball is about to be bowled, all eyes are on which team can handle the pressure when it matters most.

Table of Contents

• Why the WPL Eliminator Matters
• Toss Decision Analysis: Why Bowl First?
• Key Players to Watch
• Head-to-Head Record and Form
• Match Predictions and Expert Opinions
• How to Watch WPL Eliminator Live
• Conclusion
• Sources

Why the WPL Eliminator Matters

The WPL Eliminator is the gateway to the final stages of the Women’s Premier League. The winner advances to Qualifier 2, where they’ll face the loser of the Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore clash for a shot at the championship.

For Delhi Capitals, this is a chance to bounce back after a disappointing end to the league stage. For Gujarat Giants, it’s an opportunity to prove their mettle in crunch situations—something they’ve struggled with in past playoffs.

As ICC Women’s Cricket continues to gain global momentum, performances in marquee domestic leagues like the WPL are becoming critical launchpads for international careers [[1]].

Toss Decision Analysis: Why Bowl First?

Captain Meg Lanning’s decision to field first isn’t just instinct—it’s data-driven:

• Pitch behavior: The Chinnaswamy track has offered good bounce but slowed down in the second innings during WPL 2026.
• Dew factor: Minimal in February, reducing the advantage for chasing teams.
• Pressure dynamics: Setting a target forces the opposition to play catch-up—a psychological edge in knockout games.

“We know Gujarat has a strong top order,” Lanning said at the toss. “If we can restrict them early, our batting lineup has the firepower to chase or set confidently.”

Key Players to Watch

This match hinges on individual brilliance. Here are the X-factors:

For Delhi Capitals:

• Meg Lanning (C): The Australian legend’s calm under pressure is unmatched. She’s scored 287 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 132.
• Shafali Verma: Her explosive starts can demoralize any bowling attack. Needs to convert starts into big scores.
• Jess Jonassen: With 12 wickets so far, her left-arm spin could strangle Gujarat’s middle order.

For Gujarat Giants:

• Beth Mooney: The backbone of their batting. Her 312 runs include two fifties—and she thrives in high-stakes games.
• Harleen Deol: Local favorite and emotional leader. Her anchoring role is crucial if early wickets fall.
• Kim Garth: Ireland’s pace spearhead has troubled top-order batters with her swing and accuracy.

[INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-2026-player-stats] provides a deep dive into season performance metrics.

Head-to-Head Record and Form

In WPL 2026, these two teams have faced off twice:

• Match 1 (Feb 5): Delhi Capitals won by 7 wickets
• Match 2 (Feb 22): Gujarat Giants won by 4 runs

Both matches were decided in the final overs, highlighting how evenly matched they are. However, Delhi enters the eliminator with slightly better net run rate (+0.842 vs +0.611), suggesting greater consistency.

Match Predictions and Expert Opinions

Former India captain Jhulan Goswami believes Delhi’s superior death bowling gives them the edge: “Jess and Radha’s last-four-over economy is under 7. That could be decisive.”

Meanwhile, ESPNcricinfo’s predictive model gives Delhi a 58% win probability, citing their stronger bench depth and Lanning’s tactical acumen.

But never count out Beth Mooney. As one analyst put it: “If she gets set, no total is safe—not even in an eliminator.”

How to Watch WPL Eliminator Live

Fans can catch all the action on:

• TV Broadcast: Sports18 and Colors Cineplex
• Streaming: JioCinema (free in India)
• Live Scores: ESPNcricinfo, BCCI.tv, and TOI Sports

First ball is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. Don’t miss what promises to be one of the most intense matches of WPL 2026.

Conclusion

The WPL Eliminator isn’t just about who wins—it’s about who wants it more. Delhi Capitals, led by a seasoned champion in Meg Lanning, have the tactical discipline. Gujarat Giants, powered by Beth Mooney’s resilience, have the heart. In a contest this close, the smallest moment—a dropped catch, a misfield, a six in the 18th over—could decide everything. One thing’s certain: women’s cricket is delivering drama, skill, and passion at its absolute finest.

Sources

• [[1]] Times of India: “WPL Eliminator Live: Delhi Capitals opt to bowl against Gujarat Giants”
• [[2]] ICC Official Website: Women’s Cricket Development Report 2025
• [[3]] ESPNcricinfo: WPL 2026 Team Form Guide
• [[4]] BCCI: WPL Broadcast and Streaming Details