New Delhi, August 21: North Delhi Strikers began their Women’s Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 campaign on a winning note, defeating East Delhi Riders by nine wickets with more than five overs to spare.
Batting first, East Delhi Riders struggled against a disciplined North Delhi bowling attack and were restricted to 101/8 in 20 overs.
The Riders lost two early wickets and were reduced to 17/2. Vanshika Lila and Sonakshi then tried to rebuild the innings and added 30 runs for the third wicket. However, Lila’s dismissal in the 10th over for 26 off 24 balls triggered another collapse at Arun Jaitley Stadium that will host international fixtures between India and Afghanistan next month.
East Delhi continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and failed to build any strong partnership towards the end of the innings.
Nazma was the pick of the North Delhi bowlers, claiming 2/15 in four overs, while Reshika Beniwal also picked up two wickets for 25 runs. Apeksha Anand impressed with an economical spell, finishing with 1/10 in three overs.
Chasing just 102, North Delhi Strikers lost Upasana Yadav early but quickly took control of the chase. Shivi Sharma and Archana then joined hands and played with confidence to put their team firmly ahead.
The duo produced an unbeaten 92-run partnership for the second wicket, completely taking the game away from East Delhi Riders. Shivi Sharma brought up a well-deserved half-century, while Archana provided excellent support with an unbeaten 38 off 32 balls.
North Delhi eventually completed the chase comfortably, securing a convincing nine-wicket victory and making a strong start to their DPL 2026 campaign.
