In a dramatic turn following a heart-wrenching defeat, Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues has been slapped with a hefty 12 lakh fine for maintaining a slow over-rate during their Women’s Premier League 2026 clash against Gujarat Giants. The match, played on Tuesday, saw Delhi Capitals fall short by just three runs, intensifying the pressure on the team.
The official statement from the Women’s Premier League confirmed the penalty under the league’s code of conduct for breaching minimum over-rate regulations. Notably, this marks Rodrigues’ first such offense in the current season, yet the fine underscores the league’s strict enforcement of playing conditions.
Delhi Capitals’ campaign has taken a severe hit. Slipping to fourth place on the points table with six points from seven matches, their net run rate has plummeted to -0.164. Playoff aspirations now hinge precariously on their final league fixture against UP Warriors on February 1, where a victory is non-negotiable.
The game itself was a rollercoaster. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Delhi restricted Gujarat Giants to 174 for nine. Sneha Rana and young gun Nikki Prasad mounted a valiant counterattack with a crucial 70-run seventh-wicket stand. Rana smashed 29 off 15 balls, while Prasad unleashed 47 off 24, bringing Delhi tantalizingly close.
But in the final over, Gujarat’s seasoned all-rounder Sophie Devine held her nerve, conceding just nine runs to seal a thrilling win. This victory completed Gujarat’s season double over Delhi, boosting their own playoff prospects.
As Delhi licks its wounds, Rodrigues and her team must regroup swiftly. The fine serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins in T20 cricket, where discipline can make or break campaigns. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Capitals can salvage their season in the must-win encounter.