"We'll try to stick to our strengths": DC's Sree Charani ahead of WPL eliminator

Delhi Capitals secured a convincing five-wicket win against the UP Warriorz in the final league stage fixture. With this victory, the Jemimah Rodrigues-led side not only moved into the eliminators of the WPL but also eliminated two-time champions Mumbai Indians, who finished fourth in the WPL standings.

After the match, Delhi Capitals bowler, speaking about what her team's gameplan will be against Gujarat, said that the Delhi-based franchise will stick to their strengths.

"We will just try to stick to our strengths against Gujarat Giants," Sree Charani said during the post-match press conference.

Sree Charani said the team approached the game calmly on Laura Wolvaardt's advice, treating it like a normal match rather than a qualification.

"Everyone is chill in our duties. I had a talk with Laura and she said to take it as a simple match, not a qualification match. Everyone thought in the same way," Sree Charani said.

She praised Marizanne Kapp's work ethic and expressed her desire to learn from her, while also acknowledging the constant guidance and support she received from Meg Lanning in earlier seasons when the Aussie played for Delhi till 2025. She also noted skipper Jemimah Rodrigues' support.

"Kapp has good work ethics. I want to learn how she puts in the work and how she plays in the nets. I think I can learn from her and behave like that," she said.

"Meg used to guide me a lot and now Jemimah is doing the same. She guides me a lot, in every match, every ball I bowl, she does that," Sree Charani said.

Delhi ended their league stage campaign in third place with six points in eight matches (four wins and as many losses). Apart from Delhi, Gujarat Giants, who finished second and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who topped the charts, have qualified for the playoffs of the ongoing WPL 2026 season.

After being asked to bat first, UP Warriorz were restricted to a modest 122/8 in 20 overs. It was a disappointing day for them with the bat, as none of their batters crossed even the 30-run mark.

Deepti Sharma (24 off 19 balls, including four boundaries and one six), Simran Shaikh (22 off 14 deliveries, with three fours) and Shikha Pandey (23* off 13 balls, with three fours) chipped in crucial runs for the UP Warriorz.

For the Delhi Capitals, Marizanne Kapp scalped a three-wicket haul (3/30). Chinelle Henry (2/25) and Sree Charani (2/22) bagged two wickets apiece. Minnu Mani (1/13) took one wicket.

Chasing just 123 runs, wicketkeeper-batter Lizelle Lee was out on 10 runs off as many deliveries, with two fours. Opener Shafali Verma scored 29 off 33 balls, with two fours.

However, Laura Wolvaardt (47 off 36 balls, with seven fours) and captain Jemimah Rodrigues (26 off 16 balls, with three fours) helped the Delhi Capitals chase down the target in 18.4 overs. (ANI)