Mumbai, Jan 12 (NationPress) Following the Delhi Capitals' close defeat by just four runs against the Gujarat Giants, pacer Nandni Sharma praised the team’s tenacious all-around performance, emphasizing that their determination to compete until the very last moment was truly remarkable.

While chasing a challenging target of 210, Delhi Capitals ended their innings at 205 for 5 within the stipulated 20 overs, showcasing their competitiveness right up to the final ball. The batting effort was spearheaded by Lizelle Lee, who scored 86 off 54 balls, along with a rapid 77 off just 38 balls from Laura Wolvaardt. Earlier, DC's bowling prowess was showcased by Nandni Sharma, who recorded outstanding figures of 5 for 33. In only her second appearance in the WPL, Nandni became the first uncapped Indian player to achieve a hat-trick and the first Indian to secure a five-wicket haul in the Women’s Premier League, claiming four wickets in the final over.

Reflecting on the tightly contested match, Nandni Sharma remarked, “We remained in the contest until the very end. Everyone put forth their best effort and we came very close. These moments are part of cricket, but the way our team battled on the field was incredibly positive.”

She recognized the invaluable support from captain Jemimah Rodrigues during the match, stating, “Jemi consistently encouraged me to perform my best. Her guidance, ball by ball, was tremendously helpful and helped me maintain my composure.”

When discussing the mentorship she has received from seasoned players, Nandni mentioned, “Marizanne Kapp has been a significant support. She discusses pitch conditions, match situations, and the optimal lengths to bowl. Having someone with her experience guiding me simplifies the process.”

Reflecting on her journey in cricket and the evolution of her bowling skills, Nandni shared, “My elder brother played cricket and attended the academy regularly, which inspired me to start at the age of eight. Initially, I faced limited opportunities, and after a brief hiatus, I returned to practice. A coach helped refine my skills, particularly with bouncers. Post-lockdown, I switched coaches and began training with boys, which highlighted the need for me to enhance my pace and develop variations. For the past year, I’ve been practicing extensively with my family, who have provided immense support.”

Emphasizing the lessons gained at this level, the young pacer added, “At this level, batters can score off good deliveries, so maintaining calmness and focusing on execution is crucial. I've learned to adapt my bowling according to the batter and the situation, with each match offering new insights.”

On the importance of the WPL as a platform for emerging fast bowlers, Nandni stated, “This tournament provides young players the opportunity to showcase their talents. There will be challenging moments, injuries, and times when things don’t go as planned, but perseverance is key.”

Delhi Capitals are set to face the UP Warriorz in their next WPL 2026 match on Wednesday, looking to capitalize on the positive takeaways from their recent performances.