Gujarat Giants Women vs Delhi Capitals Women: A Crucial Clash in Women’s Premier League 2026
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 reaches a pivotal stage as Gujarat Giants Women (GG-W) prepare to face off against Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W) in the 17th match of the tournament. Scheduled for January 27 at the iconic BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with high stakes, intense competition, and strategic battles. Fans and cricket pundits alike are eagerly predicting the outcome, analyzing team form, and contemplating key players who could influence the result.
Match Details and Context
Date and Time: January 27, 2026, at 02:00 pm GMT / 08:00 pm BD / 07:30 pm local time
Venue: BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara
Team Previews and Prediction Insights
Gujarat Giants Women: Riding the Wave of Momentum
Gujarat Giants Women have experienced a rollercoaster season so far, demonstrating resilience amidst inconsistency. With a balanced record of three wins and three losses after six matches, they currently occupy the third position on the WPL table. Their recent victory, breaking a streak of three consecutive defeats, has injected much-needed confidence into the squad as they eye a spot in the playoffs with two group matches remaining.
The team’s success hinges significantly on their captain, Ashleigh Gardner. Her exceptional all-round skills have made her a cornerstone of Gujarat’s batting lineup. Gardner has amassed an impressive 196 runs from six innings at a striking strike rate of 141, showcasing her ability to accelerate the innings and keep the scoreboard ticking. Her consistency is further underlined by her batting average of 33, making her a player to watch in this crucial clash.
Complementing Gardner’s efforts, Sophie Devine has been equally impactful, contributing 199 runs with an extraordinary strike rate of 161 in six matches. Her aggressive approach in the powerplay has been instrumental in setting a strong foundation for Gujarat’s innings.
Additionally, batters like Beth Mooney and Bharti Fulmali have crossed the 110-run mark, providing stability and depth to the batting order. Georgia Wareham offers quick runs from the middle order, adding versatility to the side.
On the bowling front, Gujarat’s attack has been disciplined and effective. Sophie Devine leads with 11 wickets at an economy rate of 8.10, demonstrating her prowess with the ball. The spin duo of Georgia Wareham and Rajeshwari Gayakwad have chipped in with nine wickets, while Kashvee Gautam and Renuka Singh Thakur bring variety and control, making Gujarat a formidable outfit on home soil.
Delhi Capitals Women: Riding High on Recent Form
Delhi Capitals Women have turned their season around with back-to-back victories, elevating them to second place on the standings. Their recent dominant performance against the league leaders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, where they dismissed their opponents for just 109 and won by seven wickets, has significantly boosted their confidence and net run rate.
Lizelle Lee has been the standout batter for Delhi, with 219 runs in six matches at an outstanding strike rate of 150 and an average of 36.50. Her aggressive style at the top of the order sets the tone for Delhi’s batting strategy. Supporting her, Laura Wolvaardt has contributed 170 runs at a strike rate of 135, providing stability in the middle overs, while Jemimah Rodrigues has added 116 runs at a steady 126, often anchoring the innings when needed.
Upfront, Shafali Verma has been electrifying, smashing 165 runs and consistently taking the attack to the opposition, especially during powerplay overs. Her aggressive starts have often laid the foundation for Delhi’s successful chases.
With the ball, Nandni Sharma has been Delhi’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 13 wickets at an economy of 8.36. Her ability to strike in crucial moments, coupled with the support of Shree Charani (8 wickets at 8.21), makes Delhi’s bowling attack a significant threat. The presence of experienced all-rounders like Marizanne Kapp and Chinelle Henry further enhances their chances of controlling the game and applying pressure on Gujarat’s batters.
Predicted Playing XI and Strategic Match Prediction
Gujarat Giants Women:
- Beth Mooney (Wicketkeeper)
- Sophie Devine
- Anushka Sharma
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- Kanika Ahuja
- Ashleigh Gardner (Captain)
- Kashvee Gautam
- Bharti Fulmali
- Renuka Singh Thakur
- Happy Kumar
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Delhi Capitals Women:
- Shafali Verma
- Lizelle Lee (Wicketkeeper)
- Laura Wolvaardt
- Jemimah Rodrigues (Captain)
- Marizanne Kapp
- Niki Prasad
- Chinelle Henry
- Sneh Rana
- Minnu Mani
- Shree Charani
- Nandni Sharma
Considering recent performances and current form, the prediction tilts slightly in favor of Delhi Capitals Women, especially given their impressive recent win streak and balanced squad. However, Gujarat’s home advantage and the ability of key players like Gardner and Devine to turn the game on their head make this contest highly unpredictable and exciting to watch.
Pitch and Weather Conditions: What to Expect
Pitch Report
The BCA Stadium in Vadodara offers a balanced pitch that provides something for both batters and bowlers. Early in the match, fast bowlers can expect some swing and bounce, making the initial overs crucial for setting the tone. As the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down slightly, becoming more conducive to batting. Spinners will find some assistance, especially in the latter stages, if they bowl with control and variation. Overall, the pitch typically produces competitive scores, and teams that adapt well to these conditions will have a distinct advantage.
Weather Forecast
On January 27 evening, the weather at BCA Stadium in Vadodara is expected to be clear and pleasant, ideal for cricket. Temperatures will drop from the daytime high of around 30–32°C to a comfortable 20–22°C by match time. Light winds and minimal humidity will further enhance the playing conditions, reducing the likelihood of weather disruptions. Such dry winter evenings are common in Vadodara, making this match a perfect setting for a thrilling cricket spectacle.
Key Factors to Watch and Final Prediction
As the match approaches, several factors could influence the outcome:
- Form of key players: The performance of Gardner, Devine, Lee, and Verma could be decisive.
- Early wickets: Winning the toss and opting to bowl first might give teams a strategic edge, considering the pitch conditions.
- Death overs execution: Both teams’ ability to finish strongly could be the difference in a close game.
Prediction: While Delhi Capitals Women seem to have the momentum and squad depth to tip the scales, Gujarat Giants Women’s home advantage and star power keep this match highly unpredictable. Expect a close contest with a slight edge to Delhi, but fans should stay tuned for an exciting battle that could go either way.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Giants Women vs Delhi Capitals Women match promises to be a highlight of the Women’s Premier League 2026. Both teams possess talented lineups with match-winning potential. As prediction models and expert analyses suggest, this game could be pivotal in shaping the playoff landscape. Fans worldwide are encouraged to follow the live action, witness emerging stars, and enjoy this thrilling chapter of women’s cricket.
