DEL-W vs BLR-W Match Preview: Can Delhi Stop the Bangalore Juggernaut?

The Women’s Premier League 2026 is reaching a thrilling stage as action shifts to the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. We are set for a blockbuster encounter where Delhi Women (DEL-W) take on the in-form Bangalore Women (BLR-W). Bangalore are currently unstoppable, riding high on five consecutive victories and looking like clear title contenders.

Delhi, meanwhile, have had a mixed campaign but come into this match with renewed confidence after a morale-boosting win over Mumbai. Historically, Delhi hold the edge in head-to-head clashes, but current form strongly favors Bangalore. This clash is perfectly set up for fantasy players targeting Mega Leagues.

Live Streaming & Broadcast Details

• Digital Live Streaming: JioHotstar (App & Website)
• TV Broadcast (India): Star Sports
• Match Start Time: 7:30 PM (Local Time)

Weather Report & Pitch Analysis

Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

The weather in Vadodara on January 24 is expected to be ideal for cricket. Temperatures will be around 22°C at the start of the match and may drop to 17°C later in the evening. There is no rain forecast, ensuring uninterrupted play. Dew could play a role in the second innings, slightly favoring the chasing side.

Pitch Behavior

The Kotambi surface is fairly balanced but offers a slight edge to bowlers.

• Average score (last 5 matches): 144
• Pacers’ wickets: 30
• Spinners’ wickets: 29

Both bowling departments are equally effective here, making team balance crucial. A total of 160+ runs is considered highly competitive.

Team News & Injury Updates

DEL-W Update

Delhi finally found momentum in their previous match. Lizelle Lee continues to be their most consistent batter, while Shafali Verma’s return to form with both bat and ball is a massive boost. Nandani Sharma has emerged as a key wicket-taker, already claiming 10 wickets in the tournament.

BLR-W Update

Bangalore look like a well-oiled unit. Smriti Mandhana is leading from the front with the bat, while Nadine de Klerk has been their biggest match-winner, contributing in all departments. The bowling attack, led by Lauren Bell and Shreyanka Patil, has consistently applied pressure on opposition batters.

Key Fantasy Picks

Nadine de Klerk

The most valuable player of this fixture. With 93 runs and 10 wickets in the series, she averages 110.4 fantasy points per match, making her an elite captaincy option.

Lizelle Lee

Delhi’s batting backbone with 213 runs in the series. She averages 95.8 fantasy points and has a high boundary percentage, especially valuable if Delhi bat first.

Smriti Mandhana

The Bangalore skipper has scored 192 runs and looks in complete control at the top. A safe and consistent fantasy pick.

Nandani Sharma

Delhi’s surprise package. With 10 wickets and an average of 81.4 fantasy points, she is a budget pick who can create a big differential.

Shafali Verma

A classic high-risk, high-reward player. She has 149 runs and 3 wickets, offering dual fantasy value in the T20 format.

Lauren Bell

Deadly with the new ball and at the death. Her 9 wickets make her a crucial bowling pick for fantasy teams.

Captain & Vice-Captain Strategy

Small Leagues (Safe Options)

• Nadine de Klerk
• Lizelle Lee
• Smriti Mandhana

Grand Leagues (Differential Picks)

• Shafali Verma
• Sayali Satghare
• Nandani Sharma

Expert Strategy Tip

With the Kotambi pitch assisting both pace and spin, avoid loading your team with only batters. All-rounders like Nadine de Klerk and Shafali Verma are extremely valuable as they stay involved throughout the match. Given Bangalore’s strong bowling unit, including their death-over bowlers can bring crucial fantasy points in the final overs.