One Ticket Left! WPL’s final league match to decide

As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 inches closer towards its finale, the excitement continues to soar. Even at this late stage, one coveted playoff spot remains up for grabs, underlining just how competitive this season has been. Two-time champions and defending holders Mumbai Indians are locked in a tense battle with three-time finalists Delhi Capitals, with only one set to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Giants in the playoffs after the final league match.

That decisive encounter sees Delhi Capitals take on UP Warriorz on Sunday at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. While the Warriorz are already out of contention (with only a mathematical possibility remaining), they suddenly find themselves holding the power to shape the playoff picture. The question is simple but tantalising: whose dreams will they derail — Mumbai’s or Delhi’s?

When Delhi and UP last met on 14 January at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, it was largely one-way traffic. Delhi registered a commanding seven-wicket victory, chasing down 155 off the very last ball. Shafali Verma was the standout performer, dazzling with a fine all-round display. Once again, the spotlight will be firmly on the fearless opener and her deceptively effective off-spin to set the tone in a high-pressure contest.

For UP Warriorz, the objective is clear: end a disappointing campaign on a positive note. Even a win will leave them with the wooden spoon, but pride and momentum are powerful motivators. Expectations were high at the start of the season, particularly after Meg Lanning took over the captaincy. However, despite a glittering CV that includes five T20 World Cups and two ODI World Cups with Australia, Lanning was unable to spark a turnaround in the Warriorz’ fortunes.

Sunday’s clash also carries an emotional subtext. Lanning, who captained Delhi Capitals for the previous three seasons, will be facing her former side, adding another layer of intrigue to an already compelling fixture.

For Delhi, the stakes could not be higher. Can Jemimah Rodrigues, captaining the Capitals for the first time, guide her team into the playoffs? The Mumbai-born batter will be hoping for strong contributions from her experienced teammates, particularly the South African trio of Lizelle Lee, Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt, to deliver one final, decisive blow.

As the league stage draws to a close, this final match promises drama, emotion and no shortage of narrative twists — a fitting finish to the league stage of this WPL season, where one team’s celebration will come at the cost of another’s heartbreak.

Head-to-Head (last 5 matches)

Delhi Capitals – 3| UP Warriorz – 2

Match details

Date: February 1, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar