Gujarat Giants (GG) pulled off a last-ball thriller against Delhi Capitals (DC), winning by four runs in the 4th match of the Women’s Premier League 2025–26. The match at the DY Patil Stadium turned into a run-fest, with both teams combining for 414 runs, the second-highest aggregate in WPL history. It was also the second match in a row in which GG crossed the 200-run mark.

Batting first, Gujarat Giants posted a massive total of 209 runs in 20 overs. Sophie Devine played a superb, blazing knock of 95 runs off just 42 balls, while Ashleigh Gardner missed her half-century by one run. Nandani Sharma (5/33 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for Delhi Capitals.

While chasing, Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt gave Delhi Capitals a solid start after losing an early wicket. After Lizelle Lee was dismissed, Delhi still appeared in control. Laura Wolvaardt almost took her team home with one ball to spare, but Sophie Devine held her nerve at the death, and Delhi Capitals eventually lost the match by four runs.

Devine Unleashes Brutal Assault at the Top

Sophie Devine set the tone early with a breathtaking innings of 95 off just 42 balls. She attacked from the outset, finding boundaries all around the ground as DC’s bowlers struggled to contain her. After surviving an early edge that fell short of the wicketkeeper, Devine struck a couple of fours off Chinelle Henry and then exploded in the fourth over with a 16-run assault on Nandani Sharma.

The most damaging phase came in the sixth over when spin was introduced. Devine smashed Sneh Rana for 32 runs in a single over, the most expensive over in WPL history. She struck four sixes in a row on the leg side as Rana repeatedly missed her length. A full toss at the end of the over disappeared for another six, soon after Devine reached her half-century from just 25 balls.

DC Regain Control Through Discipline and Fielding

N Shree Charani and Henry briefly slowed the scoring, giving away only 15 runs in the next 14 balls. They also removed Beth Mooney, offering DC a window to claw back. Still, Devine continued her charge, hitting three more sixes in four deliveries and moving into the 90s, looking set for a historic century.

However, Devine’s wait for a WPL hundred continued. On debut, Nandani Sharma used a clever slower variation that Devine top-edged behind the wicket. Charani ran back from short fine leg to complete a stunning catch. Charani then struck again by removing Georgia Wareham, and Anushka Sharma soon followed as GG began to lose momentum.

Gardner Lifts Giants Before Late Collapse

Ashleigh Gardner took charge after surviving a chance on 22. She counter-attacked confidently, targeting both pace and spin and keeping the scoreboard moving. Gardner scored a quick 49 off 26 balls before holing out to long-on.

DC finished strongly with the ball, conceding just eight runs in the final two overs. GG then suffered a dramatic collapse, losing four wickets for eight runs. Nandani Sharma struck three times in a row in the final over to complete a hat-trick, becoming the first uncapped player to take one in the WPL.

Lee Makes DC Pay for Early Drop

DC’s chase began with a crucial missed opportunity. Renuka Singh dropped a difficult return catch off Lizelle Lee on the second ball. Lee made GG pay immediately, striking boundaries and finishing the over with a confident straight six.

She continued to attack even as Shafali Verma struggled to settle. Although DC’s powerplay score of 47 for 1 was well behind GG’s 80 without loss, Lee ensured the asking rate stayed manageable.

Lee and Wolvaardt Keep DC in the Hunt

Lee combined elegant drives with calculated aggression. She reached her fifty off 33 balls, hitting Wareham for 4, 4 and 6 in an over. Laura Wolvaardt played a supporting role as DC still needed 120 runs from the final 10 overs.

GG’s spinners briefly tightened the screws by conceding just 23 runs in three overs after the halfway stage. Lee then broke free again before finally being caught at long-on off Devine for a superb 86, leaving DC needing 79 from 34 balls.

Wolvaardt’s Late Surge Almost Pulls Off Miracle

Wolvaardt took control after Lee’s dismissal. DC promoted Chinelle Henry up the order, but she fell quickly. Jemimah Rodrigues then walked in and made an instant impact, smashing her first ball for six in a productive 16th over.

Despite this, GG were still ahead with 60 needed from 24 balls. Wolvaardt then launched a stunning counterattack, especially targeting Gardner in the 18th over when DC needed 48 from 18. She mixed straight hits with well-placed shots through the gaps and kept finding the boundary.

The momentum swung further when Kashvee Gautam bowled two no-balls in the 19th over, and Wolvaardt punished her with a six over midwicket. When Rodrigues ended the over with a lofted boundary, DC were suddenly just seven runs away from victory with six balls remaining.

Devine Holds Her Nerve to Seal Win

With the pressure at its peak, Sophie Devine stepped up once more. She removed Rodrigues with a slower delivery, conceded only a single to Marizanne Kapp from two balls, and then dismissed Wolvaardt at deep midwicket when DC still needed five runs from two balls.

Sneh Rana walked in for the final delivery but failed to make contact. GG scraped through by four runs, sealing their second consecutive win, while DC suffered their second straight loss and slipped to the bottom of the table.