WPL 2026 | Match 7: UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals | Preview and Predictions

With both teams yet to get off the mark, the UP Warriorz take on the Delhi Capitals in Match 7 of the 2026 Women’s Premier League season. 

Here, we present our preview and predictions for the game. 

Women’s Premier League 2026 | Match 7: UPW vs DC | 19:30 IST, 14 January 2026

There was a lot of optimism with this Warriorz squad before the tournament began. However, two very average performances have rooted them to the foot of the table with a negative net run rate. Their top order has failed to deliver, barring Phoebe Litchfield, while their bowlers have been both ineffective and expensive. 

Shuffling around the top order in just the second game didn’t do them any good, as both Kiran Navgire and Harleen Deol failed to deliver against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Litchfield has been the only aggressor and consistent batter so far for UPW, though they’d at least be content with the fact that both Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin have got some crucial runs under their belt early in the tournament. 

That said, the Warriorz bowling attack has been toothless at best. They’ve conceded 352 runs in just 32.1 overs across two games, picking up just five wickets. Although the likes of Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and Shikha Pandey have somewhat stemmed the flow of runs, not getting enough breakthroughs has resulted in the runs leaking from the other end. 

Their opponents, the Delhi Capitals, find themselves in a similar situation. The DC management would’ve wanted the new leadership era under Jemimah Rodrigues to start on a much better note. A comprehensive defeat against the Mumbai Indians, followed by a self-inflicted defeat against the Gujarat Giants, has left the Capitals reeling in fourth place in the table, just above the Warriorz on better net run rate but without a point on the board.

That said, given the strength of their squad, the Capitals should soon start climbing the ladder. Following a disappointing start with the bat against MI, both Lizelle Lee (86 off 54) and Laura Wolvaardt (77 off 38) brought them into a comfortable position to close off the match against the Giants. However, the lack of contribution from the rest of the batters and their inability to chase down seven runs in the last over saw them record back-to-back defeats.

In the DC bowling department, Nandani Sharma has been the standout performer, highlighted by her fifer against GG in Match 3. Despite not picking up any wickets, South African veteran Marizanne Kapp has kept things tight with her clever Powerplay bowling. Both Chinelle Henry and Shree Charani have been among the wickets, though they’ve also leaked runs at a fair rate.

In terms of the weather forecast and pitch report for this game, conditions are expected to be warm and clear, ensuring an uninterrupted evening of cricket. The surface at the DY Patil is known for its true bounce and value for shots, particularly during day games. Batters who get set can score freely, seamers may find some early movement before conditions settle, while spinners should get some purchase through the middle overs. 

Looking ahead to this contest, both the UP Warriorz and the Delhi Capitals are desperate for a win to kick-start their respective campaigns. Considering how their batting and bowling departments have fared so far this season, the Capitals hold a slight edge over the Warriorz for us in this encounter.   

Fantasy XI: Lizelle Lee, Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, Phoebe Litchfield, Laura Wolvaardt (c), Deepti Sharma (vc), Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Marizanne Kapp, Sophie Ecclestone, Nandani Sharma

Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai
Winners Prediction: Delhi Capitals