Did Nandani Sharma's hat-trick and Devine's 95 lead DC to victory over GG?
Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at the DY Patil Stadium, Nandani Sharma's remarkable hat-trick and Sophie Devine's explosive innings secured a dominant victory for Delhi Capitals over Gujarat Giants. Sharma's stunning performance not only marked her maiden five-wicket haul but also made her the first uncapped bowler to achieve a hat-trick in WPL history.
Key Takeaways
Nandani Sharma achieved her first five-wicket haul and a hat-trick.
Sophie Devine scored 95 runs off 42 balls.
Delhi Capitals restricted Gujarat Giants to 209 runs.
Sharma's hat-trick made her the first uncapped bowler to achieve this in WPL.
Gujarat Giants started strong but faltered in the latter stages of their innings.
Navi Mumbai, Jan 11 (NationPress) Sophie Devine dazzled with a blistering 95 off just 42 balls, while Ashleigh Gardner contributed a solid 49 from 26 deliveries. However, it was Delhi Capitals' uncapped medium pacer Nandani Sharma who stole the spotlight, achieving her first five-wicket haul, capped off with a stunning last-over hat-trick that led to the Gujarat Giants being bowled out for 209 in Match 4 of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Devine ignited the match with her explosive batting, reaching her fifty in just 25 balls. Gardner provided a late surge, but it was Sharma's extraordinary performance in the final over that turned the match around for Delhi Capitals. In a gripping 20th over, she took four wickets, including a hat-trick off the last three deliveries, effectively stifling the Gujarat Giants' innings.
Nandani Sharma (5-33) achieved her first five-wicket haul, while Shree Charani and Chinelle Henry each claimed two wickets, further cementing their grip on the game.
After being invited to bat first by DC captain Jemimah Rodrigues, Gujarat Giants started strong, with Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney racing to 94 runs for the opening partnership within just eight overs. While Mooney managed 19 runs off 16 balls, Devine showcased her prowess, delivering one of her finest performances.
Devine's assault on the bowlers began with a four off Chinelle Henry on the first ball of the second over, and she continued her rampage, hitting back-to-back fours off Nandani Sharma's debut over, followed by a towering six.
Among her most notable moments was a remarkable over from Sneh Rana where Devine hit two fours and four sixes, amassing 32 runs and racing to her fifty in just 25 balls.
After being dropped early in the over, Devine unleashed a series of powerful shots, including a six that cleared the long-on boundary and a half-volley dispatched over deep mid-wicket.
Despite falling five runs short of a century, caught for 95 off 42 balls by Shree Charani off Sharma's bowling, Devine's innings was a highlight, her highest score in WPL remaining at 99 not out from the first season.
Delhi Capitals managed to restrict GG as Georgia Wareham (3), Anushka Sharma (13), and Bharti Fulmali (3) struggled for runs. Nonetheless, Gardner's late surge with 49 runs off 26 balls kept the innings competitive.
The match concluded dramatically with Nandani Sharma securing her place in WPL history, becoming the fourth bowler to achieve a hat-trick. She dismissed Kanika Ahuja (4), Rajeshwari Gayakwad (0), and Renuka Singh (0) in a sensational last over, joining an elite group alongside Issy Wong, Deepti Sharma, and Grace Harris.
Earlier, she had also taken the crucial wickets of Gardner and Kashvee Gautam (14), finishing with impressive figures of 5-33 in her four overs and making history as the first uncapped bowler to achieve a hat-trick in WPL.
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) against Delhi Capitals
Point of View
The match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants showcased the exciting talent emerging in women's cricket. Nandani Sharma's historic hat-trick not only highlights her potential but also signifies the growing competitiveness of the WPL. This match will be remembered as a pivotal moment in her career and for the league itself.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the standout player in the match?
Nandani Sharma was the standout player, achieving her maiden five-wicket haul and a hat-trick.
What was Sophie Devine's contribution to the game?
Sophie Devine scored a brilliant 95 runs off 42 balls, setting the tone for Gujarat Giants.
What was the final score of Gujarat Giants?
Gujarat Giants were bowled out for 209 runs in their innings.
Where was the match held?
The match took place at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
What historic achievement did Nandani Sharma accomplish?
Nandani Sharma became the first uncapped bowler to take a hat-trick in WPL history.
