Who will play RCB in the final – Gujarat or Delhi?

As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 reaches its knockout phase, the spotlight shifts to Vadodara, where Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals will lock horns in the Eliminator on Tuesday at the Kotambi Stadium. It is their third and final meeting of the season, and one that carries the highest stakes. The Giants, who have already beaten the Capitals twice this campaign, will be eager to complete a hat-trick of victories and march into their maiden WPL final. Standing in their way are the Capitals, a side that has never finished outside the final in the league’s history and will be determined to make it third time lucky against a familiar foe. The winner will earn the right to face WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Thursday’s grand finale, also in Vadodara.

A glance at the two previous encounters between these teams this season reveals a telling pattern. On both occasions, the Giants emerged victorious while defending totals, highlighting a recurring concern for the Capitals when chasing. Although neither match was one-sided, losses by margins of just three and four runs underline an issue of temperament rather than talent. In tight contests, it is often the strength of mindset that proves decisive. As cricket folklore goes, the game is played as much in the mind as it is between bat and ball.

Beyond the results, the Giants–Capitals rivalry has produced moments of high drama and entertainment. From Nandni Sharma’s sensational hat-trick and five-wicket haul to Sophie Devine’s blistering 95 off just 42 deliveries, fans have been treated to some unforgettable performances whenever these sides have crossed paths.

Vadodara, interestingly, has offered no clear advantage to either team. Both Gujarat and Delhi have won three of their four matches at the venue. For the Giants, Devine, who has the most wickets in this competition so far, has been the standout performer here, claiming nine wickets, including a four-wicket haul against the Capitals. Delhi, meanwhile, have relied on the experience and consistency of Marizanne Kapp, who has picked up seven wickets at the Kotambi Stadium.

While the overseas stars will once again command attention, the Indian internationals could well shape the contest. Capitals’ explosive opener Shafali Verma has been dismissed inside the powerplay by left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad in both previous meetings this season. That duel could yet again determine which side seizes early momentum in the crucial first six overs.

Leadership, too, will be under scrutiny. Capitals skipper Jemimah Rodrigues has enjoyed better returns in Vadodara than in Navi Mumbai, scoring 125 runs in four innings, including two unbeaten knocks. Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner has been equally influential, picking up at least one wicket in each of the four matches she has played here, while also contributing 107 runs, including a half-century.

The broader narrative adds another layer of intrigue. After finishing last in the first two seasons of the WPL, the Giants staged a strong resurgence last year by reaching the playoffs, only to fall short against eventual champions Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator. The Capitals, by contrast, have featured in all three WPL finals so far but find themselves in unfamiliar territory, having never before had to navigate the Eliminator after consistently topping the league stage.

With a place in the final on the line, there is no room for caution. Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals are set for a fierce, all-or-nothing battle — a contest where one team moves a step closer to glory, and the other sees its season come to an end.

Head-to-Head (last 5 matches)

Gujarat Giants – 3 | Delhi Capitals – 2

Match details

Date: February 3, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar