Navi Mumbai, January 11, 2026: A masterclass under pressure from Sophie Devine powered Gujarat Giants to a dramatic four-run victory over Delhi Capitals in a high-scoring Women’s Premier League 2026 clash at Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Put in to bat, Gujarat Giants posted a formidable 209 for 10 in their allotted 20 overs, built around Devine’s superb 95 off 42 balls, an innings laced with seven fours and eight sixes. Opening alongside Beth Mooney, Devine set the tone early as the pair added 94 runs for the first wicket, giving Gujarat the momentum they needed on a good batting surface.
Despite regular wickets falling at the other end, Devine controlled the tempo expertly. Captain Ashleigh Gardner added late impetus with a brisk 49 off 26 deliveries, pushing Gujarat past the 200-run mark. For Delhi, Nandini Sharma produced a remarkable spell, finishing with 5 for 33, including a hat-trick, as Gujarat were bowled out in the final over.
In reply, Delhi Capitals mounted a strong chase, driven by Lizelle Lee, who struck a scintillating 86 off 54 balls, peppering the boundary with 12 fours and three sixes. She was well supported initially by Shafali Verma, before forging a crucial 90-run partnership with Laura Wolvaardt, who contributed a fluent 77 from 38 balls.
The chase swung dramatically in the middle overs as Gujarat clawed back with timely wickets. Once Lee was dismissed in the 15th over, the equation tightened rapidly. Delhi needed 64 runs from the final 25 balls, and skipper Jemimah Rodrigues briefly reignited hopes with a quick 15, but the Giants held their nerve at the death.
Needing seven off the final over, Gujarat’s bowlers executed their plans with precision, restricting Delhi to 205 for 5, and sealing a memorable win by four runs. Devine’s all-round influence and composure under pressure earned her the Player of the Match award.
The result marked Gujarat Giants’ second consecutive win, while Delhi Capitals slipped to their second defeat of the season, despite a valiant chase that kept the contest alive until the final delivery.
