Navi Mumbai, Jan 11: In a contest that pushed the boundaries of T20 batting and nerve, Gujarat Giants clinched a dramatic four-run victory over Delhi Capitals in of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on Sunday (January 11).
A night dominated by explosive strokeplay ended with a captain's calm, as Sophie Devine defended six runs in the final over to seal the Giants' second consecutive win.
Devine and Gardner Power Gujarat Giants
After winning the toss, Delhi Capitals skipper Jemimah Rodrigues chose to field, a call that looked sound until Devine and Ashleigh Gardner unleashed sustained aggression. Devine produced a sensational 95 off 42 balls, hammering seven fours and eight sixes to dismantle the Capitals' attack, especially during the middle overs.
Gardner complemented her perfectly with a fluent 65 off 41 deliveries, and together the duo laid the foundation for Gujarat Giants' imposing 209/4. Amid the onslaught, Delhi found a lone bright spot in Nandini Sharma, who claimed a remarkable five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick in the death overs, to keep the total from soaring beyond 220.
Lee and Wolvaardt Ignite the Chase
Chasing a daunting 210, Delhi Capitals counter-punched with intent. Shafali Verma fell early to Rajeshwari Gayakwad, but Lizelle Lee kept the chase alive with a blistering 86, one of DC's highest individual scores, setting the platform for a grandstand finish.
As the asking rate climbed, Laura Wolvaardt turned the match on its head with a breathtaking cameo-47 off just 15 balls-bringing the equation down to six needed off the final four deliveries.
Final-Over Nerves
With everything on the line, Devine took responsibility for the 20th over. The tension peaked at 19.2 overs when Rodrigues, attempting a scoop, was caught behind; the decision was upheld via DRS after UltraEdge showed a clear spike. With Marizanne Kapp newly at the crease, Devine delivered a sequence of immaculate balls, conceding just one run from the final three deliveries to close it out.
Delhi Capitals finished heartbreakingly short at 205/5, as Gujarat Giants celebrated a four-run triumph in one of the most memorable games of WPL 2026.
