Devine Stars with Bat and Ball as Gujarat Giants Edge Delhi Capitals in WPL Thriller

Navi Mumbai, Jan 11: Sophie Devine produced a stunning all-round performance to script one of the most dramatic finishes of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, as Gujarat Giants defeated Delhi Capitals by four runs in a high-octane Match 4 at the Dr DY Patil Stadium here on Sunday. Despite blazing half-centuries from Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt, Delhi Capitals fell agonisingly short in a chase that went down to the final ball.

Devine, who had earlier smashed a magnificent 42-ball 95, returned to bowl a sensational final over under immense pressure, conceding just two runs and dismissing both Jemimah Rodrigues and Wolvaardt to seal a memorable win for the Giants. The victory marked Gujarat’s second successive win of the season, while Delhi Capitals suffered their second straight defeat.

Batting first after Delhi Capitals opted to field, Gujarat Giants were powered by Devine’s breathtaking knock that set the tone for a big total. The New Zealand all-rounder was in sublime form, combining brute force with clean timing as she took the Delhi bowlers apart. Her innings featured a flurry of boundaries and towering sixes, keeping the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace. Ashleigh Gardner provided valuable support with a brisk 49, ensuring Gujarat crossed the 200-run mark.

However, Delhi Capitals clawed their way back into the contest courtesy of an outstanding bowling performance by young medium pacer Nandani Sharma. The uncapped bowler grabbed her maiden five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 33, including a sensational last-over hat-trick. Her effort ensured Gujarat Giants were bowled out for 209 in their allotted 20 overs, keeping Delhi’s chase within reach.

Chasing a stiff target of 210, Delhi Capitals began cautiously. Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee added 41 runs for the opening stand before Shafali was dismissed by Rajeshwari Gayakwad, attempting an aggressive stroke. Lee, however, looked in imperious touch and anchored the innings with a commanding knock of 85 off 54 balls, studded with 12 fours and three sixes.

Lee found an able partner in Laura Wolvaardt, and the duo added 90 runs for the second wicket in quick time. Initially rotating the strike, both batters soon shifted gears, punishing loose deliveries and keeping the required run rate under control. Lee reached her half-century off just 33 balls, and it appeared only a matter of time before she went on to a century. That charge was halted when Kashvee Gautam induced a mistimed shot, with Lee finding Devine at long-on.

Despite Lee’s departure, Wolvaardt kept Delhi firmly in the contest. After Chinelle Henry’s brief stay ended, Wolvaardt joined forces with skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, and the pair added a crucial 59 runs for the fourth wicket. Wolvaardt brought up her fifty off 29 balls, showcasing her class with elegant strokeplay mixed with powerful hits.

The match tilted dramatically in the 18th over, when Wolvaardt took on Ashleigh Gardner, smashing three fours and a six to collect 19 runs. Delhi Capitals surged from needing 48 off 18 balls to just 29 off 12, swinging the momentum decisively in their favour. With seven runs required from the final over and five wickets in hand, Delhi appeared poised to register the highest successful run chase in WPL history.

But Sophie Devine had other ideas.

Entrusted with the final over, Devine displayed remarkable composure. She struck immediately by dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues following a successful DRS call, silencing the Delhi dugout. Wolvaardt, who had played a magnificent knock of 77 off 38 balls, was then removed as Devine varied her pace cleverly. With wickets tumbling and dots building pressure, Devine conceded only two runs in the over, shutting the door on Delhi Capitals and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Gujarat camp.

Delhi Capitals eventually finished on 205 for 5, falling just four runs short of the target. Devine’s figures of 2 for 21 complemented her batting heroics, underlining her match-winning impact.

The nail-biting contest highlighted the fine margins in T20 cricket and showcased the growing intensity of the WPL. While Delhi Capitals will take heart from their strong batting display, Gujarat Giants will draw immense confidence from Devine’s leadership and ability to deliver in crunch moments.

Brief scores:
Gujarat Giants 209 all out in 20 overs (Sophie Devine 95, Ashleigh Gardner 49; Nandani Sharma 5-33, Shree Charani 2-42, Chinelle Henry 2-43) beat Delhi Capitals 205/5 in 20 overs (Lizelle Lee 85, Laura Wolvaardt 77; Sophie Devine 2-21, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 2-34) by four runs.

Team Maverick.