Gujarat Giants Women vs Delhi Capitals Women: A Premier Showdown in WPL 2026
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 continues to deliver electrifying cricket as Gujarat Giants Women (GG-W) prepare to face Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W) in what promises to be an enthralling 17th fixture of the season. Scheduled for January 27 at the iconic BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, this match is expected to be a pivotal contest that could influence playoff standings and fan expectations alike. As cricket enthusiasts gear up for this exciting encounter, let’s delve into the detailed match prediction, team analyses, pitch conditions, and other critical insights to enhance your viewing experience.
Match Details
- Match: Gujarat Giants Women vs Delhi Capitals Women (GG-W vs DC-W)
- Date & Time: January 27, 2026, at 02:00 pm GMT / 08:00 pm BD / 07:30 pm local time
- Venue: BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara
Team Profiles and Recent Form
Gujarat Giants Women: A Mix of Momentum and Potential
Gujarat Giants Women have experienced a rollercoaster season so far. With an overall record of three wins and three losses after six matches, they are currently perched in third place on the points table. Their recent victory, ending a streak of three consecutive defeats, has injected a fresh wave of confidence as they aim for a strong finish to the league stage. The team’s performance has been characterized by individual brilliance and strategic bowling, but consistency remains a key focus as they eye a playoff spot.
Captain Ashleigh Gardner has been the standout performer, almost carrying the batting load single-handedly. With 196 runs from six innings at an impressive strike rate of 141 and a steady batting average of 33, her leadership with the bat has been pivotal. Supporting her, Sophie Devine has also been influential, amassing 199 runs at a strike rate of 161, often providing the crucial acceleration during powerplay overs.
The batting lineup is further bolstered by reliable contributions from Beth Mooney and Bharti Fulmali, both of whom have crossed the 110-run mark in the tournament. Georgia Wareham has played a crucial role in the middle order, adding quick runs and stabilizing the innings when needed.
Gujarat’s bowling attack has been a mixed bag but shows promise. Sophie Devine leads with 11 wickets at an economy rate of 8.10, demonstrating her all-round capabilities. The seam duo of Kashvee Gautam and Renuka Singh Thakur have shared 14 wickets, while spin twins Georgia Wareham and Rajeshwari Gayakwad have chipped in with nine wickets, offering the team a diverse bowling arsenal.
Delhi Capitals Women: Building Momentum and Confidence
Delhi Capitals Women have seen a resurgence in form, climbing to the second spot on the table after a series of back-to-back wins. Their most recent victory was particularly commanding—a seven-wicket win over the league leaders, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women, who were bowled out for just 109 runs. This victory not only boosted their points tally but also significantly improved their net run rate, a vital factor in tight playoff battles.
Leading the batting charge is Lizelle Lee, whose stellar performances have been instrumental. With 219 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 150 and an average of 36.50, she remains a primary threat for opposition bowlers. Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues provide stable support, with 170 and 116 runs respectively, both maintaining strike rates above 125 to ensure consistent scoring.
Upfront, Shafali Verma has provided aggressive starts, smashing 165 runs and taking the attack to bowlers during powerplay overs, setting the tone for the innings.
Delhi’s bowling attack has been equally impressive. Nandni Sharma leads with 13 wickets at an economy of 8.36, showing her ability to strike at crucial moments. Shree Charani has been a reliable support with eight wickets at 8.21, and seasoned all-rounders like Marizanne Kapp and Chinelle Henry add depth and experience to the bowling attack, making Delhi a formidable opponent on their day.
Prediction & Match Tips
Analyzing both teams’ form, individual performances, and recent head-to-head statistics, this match is expected to be closely contested. While Gujarat Giants possess a balanced side with impactful batting and bowling units, Delhi Capitals have demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess, especially in their recent performances.
Prediction: Given the current form, pitch conditions, and team strengths, this match is likely to be a competitive affair with a slight edge favoring Delhi Capitals due to their recent winning momentum and stronger bowling attack. However, Gujarat’s ability to bounce back and the influence of key players like Ashleigh Gardner and Sophie Devine could tilt the scales.
Match Prediction: Expect a high-scoring encounter with both sides vying for supremacy. The team that adapts better to the pitch conditions and executes their plans effectively will have the upper hand.
Playing XI and Tactical Insights
Gujarat Giants Women: Expected Line-up
- Beth Mooney (Wicketkeeper)
- Sophie Devine
- Anushka Sharma
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- Kanika Ahuja
- Ashleigh Gardner (Captain)
- Kashvee Gautam
- Bharti Fulmali
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Happy Kumari
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Delhi Capitals Women: Predicted Line-up
- Shafali Verma
- Lizelle Lee (Wicketkeeper)
- Laura Wolvaardt
- Jemimah Rodrigues (Captain)
- Marizanne Kapp
- Niki Prasad
- Chinelle Henry
- Sneh Rana
- Minnu Mani
- Shree Charani
- Nandni Sharma
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The BCA Stadium in Vadodara offers a pitch that balances the needs of both batters and bowlers. Early in the match, fast bowlers can find some movement and bounce, making the initial overs crucial for setting the tone. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to flatten out and becomes more batting-friendly, encouraging aggressive shot-making and partnerships. Spinners may find some assistance in the later stages, especially if they bowl with variation and control. Teams that adapt quickly to these conditions and build partnerships will have the best chance of posting competitive totals.
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for January 27 in Vadodara suggests a pleasant and dry evening. Temperatures are expected to drop from daytime highs of around 30–32°C to a more comfortable 20–22°C by the evening. Clear skies with minimal cloud cover and negligible chance of rain create ideal conditions for a full-length cricket match. Moderate humidity and light breezes will further enhance the viewing experience, allowing players to perform at their best without weather-related disruptions.
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
This upcoming fixture between Gujarat Giants Women and Delhi Capitals Women is poised to be a highlight of WPL 2026’s season. Both teams possess talented line-ups with match-winning capabilities, and the prediction leans slightly towards Delhi owing to their recent form and bowling strength. However, cricket’s unpredictable nature means fans should expect an intense battle with plenty of moments of individual brilliance.
Cricket enthusiasts and fantasy league players alike should keep an eye on key players like Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Devine, Lizelle Lee, and Shafali Verma, whose performances could decisively influence the outcome. As the league progresses, matches like these not only entertain but also shape the destiny of teams aiming for a spot in the playoffs.
