Navi Mumbai, Jan 11 (NationPress) Nandani Sharma of Delhi Capitals made history on Sunday by becoming the first uncapped player to achieve a hat-trick in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

The 24-year-old medium pacer from Chandigarh accomplished this remarkable feat during a thrilling final over against Gujarat Giants at Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, securing three wickets in the last three deliveries of the innings. Her outstanding performance included a maiden five-wicket haul, concluding her four-over spell with figures of 4-0-33-5.

Match 4 of WPL 2026 initially seemed to favor the Giants, with opener Sophie Devine scoring a blistering 95 off just 42 balls, showcasing incredible power-hitting and recording 32 runs in a single over bowled by Sneh Rana, marking it as the most expensive over in WPL history.

However, Nandani turned the tide dramatically by achieving her first five-wicket haul. After dismissing Devine, who was caught by Shree Charani, she delivered an extraordinary 20th over. Starting with the wicket of Kashvee Gautam, she then took out Tanuja Kanwar in the next ball, followed by Kanika Ahuja, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Renuka Thakur, completing a memorable hat-trick.

With this achievement, Nandani joined fellow bowlers Issy Wong, Deepti Sharma, and Grace Harris in the WPL hat-trick club.

After her historic performance, Nandani, who previously recorded 2-26 in her WPL debut against Mumbai Indians, also claimed the Purple Cap, awarded to the player with the highest wickets.

Nandani expressed her surprise at the dramatic finale when asked about her strategy for the last over. She stated her only goal was to focus on the target, as advised by senior teammates Shafali Verma and captain Jemimah Rodrigues. Rodrigues showed immense faith in Nandani, which she reciprocated with a stellar performance.

"I aimed to bowl at my target. Shafali and Jemi communicated with me about every ball, and that was my plan (to bowl at the stumps). I didn’t anticipate a hat-trick, but my team believed I could take wickets," Nandani shared with broadcasters during the mid-innings break.

The right-handed medium-pace all-rounder mentioned that after her first over, where she was hit for consecutive boundaries by Sophie Devine, she adapted her strategy by using variations to counter the opposing batters.

"I realized they were hitting my stock ball well, so I switched to my variations, and fortunately, they worked," she concluded.

Nandani, who was acquired through the mini-auction by Delhi Capitals, acknowledged the unwavering support of her family throughout her journey.

"My brother, mother, and friend are here watching from the stands, and my family is cheering from home. Their support has been vital," Nandani said, having impressed with her bowling in her initial WPL matches.