Vadodara, Jan 27 (NationPress) Sophie Devine showcased her exceptional composure in a nail-biting final over, defending nine runs to secure a thrilling three-run victory for the Gujarat Giants against the Delhi Capitals. This match marked their second victory over the Capitals this season in the 17th encounter of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 held at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Tuesday.

With immense pressure on her shoulders, Devine displayed remarkable skill, leading the Giants to second place on the points table, amassing a total of eight points.

Having set a target of 174/9, the Gujarat squad faced intense pressure as Delhi entered the final over needing nine runs to clinch victory, with Sneh Rana and Niki Prasad at the crease. Devine bowled the first three deliveries tightly, conceding only four runs. She concluded the over by taking the vital wicket of Rana with a superb delivery.

Following that, Minnu Mani managed a single on the fifth ball, leaving Prasad to chase the last delivery, needing four runs for victory. Prasad attempted a powerful swing to clear the boundary but ended up finding Ashleigh Gardner in the deep, leading to jubilant celebrations from the Giants as the Capitals fell just short.

Earlier, the Delhi Capitals opted to bowl first, limiting the Gujarat Giants to 174 for 9 thanks to a stellar performance from Beth Mooney, who scored an impressive 58 off 46 balls.

Anushka Sharma contributed with a solid 39 runs from 25 balls, complemented by Tanuja Kanwar, who added an unbeaten 21 runs off just 11 balls, assisting the Giants in setting a competitive total.

N. Shree Charani led the bowling attack for Delhi, achieving career-best WPL figures of 4 for 31. Minnu Mani and Chinelle Henry also delivered commendable spells.

Delhi's chase began promisingly, with Shafali Verma hitting a boundary off the first ball, quickly reaching 26 runs in just 2.2 overs. However, Rajeshwari Gayakwad dismissed her early in the first over. Laura Wolvaardt struggled to find momentum, scoring just 24 runs before falling to Gayakwad, and Lizelle Lee faced difficulties as well.

Jemimah Rodrigues managed a mere 16 runs before falling to Devine, and the Capitals’ chase hit a snag as Marizanne Kapp was out for a golden duck. Chinelle Henry added only 9 runs, putting Delhi in a precarious situation.

A spirited partnership between Rana (29 off 15) and Prasad (47 off 24) revived hopes for Delhi, but Devine’s masterclass at the death, having previously defended seven runs against the same team, secured another tense victory for the Gujarat Giants.

Brief scores:

Gujarat Giants 174/9 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 58, Anushka Sharma 39; Sree Charani 4-31, Chinelle Henry 2-38) beat Delhi Capitals 171/8 in 20 overs (Niki Prasad 47, Sneh Rana 29; Sophie Devine 4-37, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 3-20) by three runs.