In a Women's Premier League (WPL) encounter brimming with individual brilliance and dramatic twists, the Gujarat Giants clinched a heart-stopping 4-run victory over the Delhi Capitals on Sunday. The match, held on 11 January 2026, will be remembered for two contrasting yet spectacular performances: a devastating all-round show by Giants' Sophie Devine and a historic hat-trick by Delhi's Nandini.
Devine's Batting Onslaught Sets the Stage
Sent in to bat first, the Gujarat Giants' innings was built almost single-handedly by their powerhouse opener, Sophie Devine. The New Zealand star unleashed a breathtaking assault on the Delhi bowlers, smashing seven fours and eight sixes in a whirlwind innings. Her aggressive 42-ball knock propelled the Giants to a formidable total.
Devine found solid support at the other end from captain Beth Mooney, who scored 19 runs. Together, the duo constructed a massive 94-run partnership for the opening wicket, providing a rock-solid platform for the rest of the batting lineup to build upon. This foundation proved to be the critical difference in the final analysis of the match.
Nandini's Heroic Hat-Trick in a Losing Cause
Amidst Devine's onslaught, Delhi Capitals' bowler Nandini created a magical moment of her own. She achieved the rare feat of taking a hat-trick, sending shockwaves through the Giants' middle order and bringing her team back into the contest. Her triple-strike put a brake on the Giants' momentum and showcased her skill and nerve under pressure.
Despite Nandini's extraordinary effort, the early damage inflicted by Devine meant the Giants still managed to post a challenging total. The Capitals' chase was always going to be an uphill task against a score built on such a powerful start.
A Tense Finish and Devine's Double Impact
The Delhi Capitals, in reply, fought valiantly. Their batters kept pace with the required run rate, setting the stage for a tense finale. However, Sophie Devine was not done influencing the game. Returning with the ball, she delivered a crucial spell, claiming two important wickets to derail Delhi's chase at key moments.
Her double strike, combined with disciplined bowling from the Giants' attack in the death overs, ensured the Capitals fell agonizingly short. The match culminated in a thrilling 4-run victory for the Gujarat Giants, a win carved out by the sheer will and talent of Sophie Devine.
This match underscores the unpredictable and high-octane nature of the Women's Premier League, where individual milestones can be achieved even in defeat, but all-round team efforts often seal the victory. The Giants will ride high on this confidence, while the Capitals will rue not being able to cross the line despite Nandini's historic achievement.
