DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026: Thrilling 17th Match Preview – Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance!

The DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 clash is shaping up to be a blockbuster. As the Women’s Premier League 2026 enters its decisive phase, Delhi Capitals Women (DCW) and Gujarat Giants Women (GGTW) square off in the 17th match at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. Both teams sit on six points after six games, making this a pivotal encounter for playoff qualification.

Scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT), this game could define their seasons. DCW, under Jemimah Rodrigues’ captaincy, have bounced back strongly in Vadodara with wins over Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. GGTW, led by Ashleigh Gardner, snapped a losing streak with a gritty defense against UP Warriorz but need a statement win to boost their net run rate.

Why is this match so crucial? With Royal Challengers Bengaluru leading at 10 points, and Mumbai Indians also on six but with a superior NRR, a victory here could propel the winner toward a top-two finish or secure an Eliminator spot. A loss might drag them into tense calculations.

In this comprehensive WPL 2026 match preview, we’ll break down everything: current standings, team analyses, pitch conditions, probable XIs, head-to-head stats, key battles, and our prediction. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or new to women’s cricket, this guide has you covered.

The venue shift from high-scoring Navi Mumbai to bowler-friendly Vadodara has flipped the script. Early legs saw totals soaring, but here, low bounce and grip have kept scores modest. DCW have thrived in these conditions, restricting opponents effectively. GGTW, however, must address their leaky bowling to compete.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into what makes this DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 matchup unmissable.

Current WPL 2026 Points Table and Playoff Implications

Understanding the standings is key to grasping the intensity of DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026. Here’s the latest points table as of January 27, 2026:

TeamMatches PlayedWinsLossesTiesNo ResultsPointsNet Run Rate (NRR)Recent Form
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W)7520010+0.947W W W L L
Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W)734006+0.146W L L L W
Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W)633006-0.169L W L W W
Gujarat Giants Women (GG-W)633006-0.341W L L L W
UP Warriorz Women (UPW-W)624004-0.769L L W W L

This table highlights the tight mid-table battle. RCB-W are comfortably ahead, but the race for the remaining playoff spots is fierce.

What Delhi Capitals Women Need for Playoffs

DCW’s playoff chances in WPL 2026 look promising. With two games left—including this one against GGTW and a finale versus UPW—a win today would give them eight points. If they also beat UPW, that’s 10 points, likely securing a top-two finish and direct qualifier entry.

Even a single win might suffice, thanks to their NRR of -0.169, which is better than GGTW’s -0.341. However, a loss here could force reliance on other results, like MI-W or UPW slipping up.

DCW’s resurgence in Vadodara has been pivotal. Wins over defending champions MI-W and table-toppers RCB-W show their adaptability. Their bowling unit has conceded fewer runs per match (165.0) compared to GGTW’s 177.2, giving them an edge.

Gujarat Giants Women’s Must-Win Situation

For GGTW, this is nearly a do-or-die in DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026. Sitting fourth with a poorer NRR, they need not just a win but preferably a big one to climb. Their remaining fixtures include this and a clash with MI-W.

A victory today boosts them to eight points, keeping Eliminator hopes alive. But with three losses in their last five, consistency is key. Their recent defense of a low total against UPW—thanks to Sophie Devine’s all-round show and Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s spin—offers hope.

GGTW’s dependence on other results is higher. If DCW win, GGTW might need favors from elsewhere to qualify. Experts from sites like ESPNcricinfo note that GGTW’s bowling economy (over 10 for several players) could hurt them on Vadodara’s tricky pitch.

Broader Playoff Scenarios

  • If DCW win both remaining: Guaranteed playoffs, possibly top-two.
  • If GGTW win big and beat MI-W: Could leapfrog to third or second.
  • Tie or no-result: Complicates NRR further, benefiting teams with more games left.

For more on the full WPL 2026 schedule. Live updates available on Cricbuzz.

This DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 game could reshape the table—don’t miss it!

Delhi Capitals Women: Form, Strengths, and Key Performers

Delhi Capitals Women have been a force in WPL history, reaching finals consistently. In WPL 2026, they’ve shown resilience after a shaky start.

Their season began with three losses in four games, putting their playoff streak at risk. But the Vadodara leg changed everything. Convincing wins over MI-W (by 7 wickets) and RCB-W (by 7 wickets) have injected momentum.

DCW’s strength lies in balanced bowling and explosive batting. They’ve scored 940 runs at 156.7 per match while taking 34 wickets at 5.7 per game. Their death bowling is elite, conceding just 8.19 runs per over in overs 17-20.

Batting Lineup: Firepower at the Top

Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee provide blistering starts. Verma averages 36.89 with a 140.08 strike rate, while Lee has 219 runs at 150 SR.

Middle order sees Jemimah Rodrigues (captain) offering stability, alongside Laura Wolvaardt’s class. Marizanne Kapp adds all-round depth.

Bowling Dominance: Death Overs Specialists

Nandani Sharma leads with 13 wickets at 8.36 economy—9 in death overs at 6.5 rpo. Shree Charani has 12 wickets.

Kapp’s powerplay economy (4.44) is unmatched. Sneh Rana and Minnu Mani provide spin control.

Captain Jemimah Rodrigues’ Impact

In her debut captaincy season, Rodrigues has grown tactically. Her batting (stability in chases) and field placements have shone in Vadodara wins.

Recent Form Guide

Here’s DCW’s last five matches:

DateOpponentResultKey Performances
Jan 24, 2026RCB-WWon by 7 wickets (26 balls left)Sharma 3 wickets, Lee half-century
Jan 20, 2026MI-WWon by 7 wickets (6 balls left)Kapp all-round show
Jan 17, 2026RCB-WLost by 8 wickets (10 balls left)Batting collapse
Jan 14, 2026UPW-WWon by 7 wickets (0 balls left)Thrilling chase
Jan 11, 2026GG-WLost by 4 runsClose defeat despite fightback

This form shows DCW thriving in low-scoring Vadodara games.

Player Spotlights

Shafali Verma: Explosive opener with 332 runs. Against GGTW, she averages 44.33 at 180.95 SR—watch her dismantle the powerplay.

Marizanne Kapp: All-round star. Best powerplay bowler in WPL 2026; her swing could expose GGTW’s top order.

Nandani Sharma: Death bowling queen. Her slower variations have been lethal; central to restricting totals.

Shree Charani: 12 wickets at 8.39 economy. Consistent threat on spinning tracks.

For deeper stats, link to ESPNcricinfo’s DCW page.

DCW enter DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 as favorites, but cricket’s unpredictability keeps it exciting.

Gujarat Giants Women: Season Review and Areas of Concern

Gujarat Giants Women have had a mixed WPL 2026. Starting with two wins, they hit a skid with three losses before rebounding against UPW.

They’ve scored 1028 runs at 171.3 per match but conceded 1063 at 177.2—highlighting bowling woes. Taking 45 wickets (7.5 per game) shows potential, but economies over 10 for key bowlers hurt.

Batting relies on big hitters, but inconsistency plagues them. Captain Ashleigh Gardner’s leadership is tested in this crucial phase.

Batting: Devine Firepower Leads

Sophie Devine (199 runs, 13 sixes—most in tournament) is the X-factor. Beth Mooney anchors, while Gardner contributes fifties.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s inclusion strengthened the top, but middle-order fragility shows in losses.

Bowling: Economy Issues Persist

Gardner’s 10.17 economy is her worst WPL season. Renuka Singh and Kashvee Gautam provide early breakthroughs, but death overs leak runs.

Gayakwad’s recent 3-wicket haul offers spin hope.

Selection Dilemmas

Devine’s batting position: Lower down worked vs UPW, but her 95 (42) vs DCW earlier suggests promoting her.

Wyatt-Hodge and Gayakwad likely retained after the win.

Recent Form Guide

GGTW’s last five:

DateOpponentResultKey Performances
Jan 22, 2026UPW-WWon by 45 runsDevine all-round, Gayakwad 3 wickets
Jan 19, 2026RCB-WLost by 61 runsBatting flop
Jan 16, 2026RCB-WLost by 32 runsPoor chase
Jan 13, 2026MI-WLost by 7 wickets (4 balls left)Bowling exposed
Jan 11, 2026DC-WWon by 4 runsDevine 95, thrilling defense

Inconsistent, but the latest win boosts confidence for DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026.

Player Spotlights

Sophie Devine: 199 runs, 11 wickets. Her 95 vs DCW was epic; all-round threat.

Ashleigh Gardner: Captain with bat (237 runs) but bowling needs tightening.

Kashvee Gautam: 12 wickets at 9.05 economy; emerging star.

Rajeshwari Gayakwad: Match-winner vs UPW; spin on Vadodara could shine.

Check Cricbuzz for GGTW stats.

GGTW have talent but must fix leaks to challenge DCW.

BCA Stadium Kotambi Vadodara Pitch Report and Match Conditions – WPL 2026

BCA Stadium, Kotambi, has transformed WPL 2026 dynamics. Black-soil pitches offer low bounce and slow pace, favoring bowlers.

Four games here: Two low totals (109, 108 all out), par around 150. Results split 50-50 for batting/chasing.

Recent Matches at Venue

MatchDateTeamsScoresWinner
15thJan 24DCW vs RCBWRCBW 109, DCW chasedDCW
13thJan 20DCW vs MIWMIW 154, DCW chasedDCW
OthersSimilar low scoresBalanced

Pitch aids spinners; expect turn. Dew in evenings could help chasers—toss winner might bowl first.

Conditions: Cooler evening, dew likely. Suits DCW’s bowlers over GGTW’s batters.

For venue history, see ESPNcricinfo.

What to expect tonight: Low-scoring thriller in DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026.

Team News and Probable Playing XIs

No major injuries reported. Both teams likely stick to winning formulas.

Delhi Capitals Women Team News

Chinelle Henry impressed on debut; Minnu Mani back from injury. Settled XI.

Probable XI:

  1. Shafali Verma
  2. Lizelle Lee (wk)
  3. Jemimah Rodrigues (c)
  4. Laura Wolvaardt
  5. Marizanne Kapp
  6. Niki Prasad
  7. Chinelle Henry
  8. Minnu Mani
  9. Sneh Rana
  10. Shree Charani
  11. Nandani Sharma

Impact: Henry’s late wickets; expect no changes.

Gujarat Giants Women Team News

Wyatt-Hodge and Gayakwad retained. Devine position debate—up top?

Probable XI:

  1. Beth Mooney (wk)
  2. Sophie Devine
  3. Danni Wyatt-Hodge
  4. Anushka Sharma
  5. Ashleigh Gardner (c)
  6. Kanika Ahuja
  7. Bharti Fulmali
  8. Kashvee Gautam
  9. Happy Kumari
  10. Renuka Singh Thakur
  11. Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Impact: Gayakwad’s spin; Devine promotion could boost.

From X posts, similar XIs confirmed.

Head-to-Head Record, Key Player Battles, and Stats Comparison

DCW lead overall H2H 3-2 in WPL.

Head-to-Head Table

SeasonMatchesDCW WinsGGTW WinsNotable Result
2026101GGTW won by 4 runs (Devine 95)
2025211Mixed
2024220DCW dominant
Total532

Earlier 2026 meeting: High-scorer at DY Patil—GGTW 210, DCW 206; Nandani hat-trick, Devine heroics.

Key Battles

  • Shafali Verma vs Renuka Singh/Gayakwad: Power vs swing/spin.
  • Beth Mooney vs Marizanne Kapp: Anchor vs powerplay ace.
  • Jemimah/Wolvaardt vs Gardner: Stability vs all-round spin.
  • Nandani Sharma vs Devine/Gardner: Death control vs big-hitters.

Stats Comparison (WPL 2026)

MetricDCWGGTW
Runs Scored940 (156.7/match)1028 (171.3/match)
Wickets Taken34 (5.7/match)45 (7.5/match)
Runs Conceded990 (165.0/match)1063 (177.2/match)
Top ScorerLee (219)Devine (199)
Top Wicket-TakerSharma (13)Devine (11)

Powerplay: DCW better economy.

Death: DCW elite.

Historical: Shafali’s record vs GGTW stands out.

From online sources like Yardbarker, these battles could decide.

Match Prediction and Final Thoughts

In DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026, DCW are slight favorites. Their Vadodara form, bowling strength, and NRR edge give them advantage. Expect a 15-20 run win or 5-6 wickets if chasing.

Key swings: If Devine fires, GGTW could upset. Pitch favors DCW’s attack.

This result impacts playoffs hugely—win for DCW eases pressure; for GGTW, keeps hopes alive.

Watch live on Star Sports or JioHotstar. Follow IPL Star for updates!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026

1. When and where is the Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 17th match in Women’s Premier League 2026 being played? The DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 17th match is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. This crucial Women’s Premier League 2026 17th match will be broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.

2. What makes the DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 clash a virtual knockout for playoffs? Both Delhi Capitals Women and Gujarat Giants Women are tied on 6 points after six games. With RCB Women leading at 10 points, a win in this WPL 2026 match preview favourite could secure a top-two finish or Eliminator spot, while the loser faces intense net run rate pressure.

3. Who is the captain of Delhi Capitals Women in WPL 2026? Jemimah Rodrigues is leading Delhi Capitals Women as captain in WPL 2026. Her tactical decisions and middle-order stability have been pivotal in DCW’s strong Vadodara leg.

4. What is the current WPL 2026 points table standing for DC vs GG? In the Women’s Premier League 2026, Delhi Capitals Women and Gujarat Giants Women both have 6 points. DCW hold a better net run rate (-0.169) compared to GG’s -0.341, giving them a slight edge in playoff calculations.

5. What is the Vadodara pitch report for WPL 2026 matches at BCA Stadium Kotambi? The Vadodara pitch report for WPL 2026 highlights a black-soil surface with low bounce and grip, favouring bowlers. Recent games have seen low totals (109, 108, 154), with a par score around 150 and balanced results between batting and chasing.

6. How has Sophie Devine performed for Gujarat Giants Women in WPL 2026? DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 Sophie Devine has been the standout performer in WPL 2026 for Gujarat Giants Women, scoring 199 runs with 13 sixes (most in the tournament) and taking 11 wickets, including a match-defining 95 against Delhi earlier.

7. Who holds the record for most wickets for Delhi Capitals Women in WPL 2026? DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 Nandani Sharma leads Delhi Capitals Women with 13 wickets in WPL 2026, including 9 in death overs at an economy of 6.5, making her a key threat in low-scoring Vadodara conditions.

8. What is the head-to-head record between DC vs GG in WPL history? DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 Across all WPL seasons, Delhi Capitals Women lead Gujarat Giants Women 3-2. In their earlier WPL 2026 meeting, GG won by 4 runs in a high-scoring thriller.

9. What are the playoff chances for Delhi Capitals Women after DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026? DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 Delhi Capitals Women’s playoff chances in WPL 2026 are strong. A victory here would take them to 8 points, positioning them well for a top-two finish, especially with their superior bowling and recent wins in Vadodara.

10. Who is predicted to win the Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women match in WPL 2026? In this DCW vs GGTW WPL 2026 prediction, Delhi Capitals Women are favoured to win by 15–20 runs or 5–6 wickets, thanks to their bowling dominance, venue suitability, and current form.

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