Gujarat Giants Beat Delhi Capitals by Three Runs in WPL Thriller, Sophie Devine Delivers Again

Gujarat Giants held their nerve in a tense finish to defeat Delhi Capitals by three runs in a high-scoring Women’s Premier League encounter, producing another late drama that underlined the fine margins in this season’s competition. Defending 174, Gujarat restricted Delhi to 171 for 8, with Sophie Devine once again proving decisive in the final over.

The result lifted Gujarat Giants to second place on the points table and tightened the race for playoff spots, while Delhi were left ruing another narrow defeat despite coming agonisingly close to pulling off a remarkable chase.

Match Context: Pressure on Both Sides

The fixture carried significant weight for both teams. Gujarat Giants were looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the table, while Delhi Capitals needed a win to stay firmly in contention for the knockouts. With both sides stacked with international experience, the match promised intensity — and delivered it in full.

Gujarat Giants’ Innings: Contributions Across the Order

Gujarat’s total of 174 for 9 was built on a collective batting effort rather than a single dominant knock. The innings gained early momentum through a positive powerplay approach, with the top order ensuring the scoreboard kept moving despite the loss of wickets at regular intervals.

Delhi Capitals’ Chase: Close, But Not Enough

Chasing 175, Delhi Capitals began with intent, aware that a strong start was essential. Early wickets, however, put pressure on the middle order and forced a rebuild. Despite the setbacks, Delhi refused to let the game drift away.

The turning point came through a determined partnership between Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana, who stitched together a 70-run stand that swung momentum back in Delhi’s favour. Prasad’s aggressive strokeplay, including a flurry of boundaries, brought the equation down to a manageable figure in the final overs.

With eight runs required off the last over, Delhi looked well placed, having two set batters at the crease and momentum on their side.

Sophie Devine’s Decisive Final Over

Once again, Sophie Devine found herself entrusted with the final over — and once again, she delivered. Showing composure under pressure, Devine mixed her pace intelligently, denying Delhi the freedom to target the shorter boundaries.

Tactical Discipline Makes the Difference

Beyond individual performances, Gujarat’s win was built on tactical clarity. Their field placements in the death overs limited boundary options, while their bowlers stuck to disciplined lengths despite the pressure of a tight chase.

Delhi, meanwhile, will reflect on missed opportunities earlier in the chase, particularly during the powerplay and middle overs, where better strike rotation might have eased the burden at the finish.

Impact on the Points Table

The victory moves Gujarat Giants up to second place, strengthening their push towards the playoffs and giving them crucial momentum at a key stage of the tournament. For Delhi Capitals, the loss tightens their qualification scenario, leaving little margin for error in their remaining fixtures.

Conclusion

Gujarat Giants’ three-run win over Delhi Capitals was a reminder of how composure under pressure can decide close contests in the Women’s Premier League. With Sophie Devine once again delivering when it mattered most, Gujarat reinforced their credentials as a side capable of handling high-stakes situations.

As the league stage progresses, matches like this are likely to shape the playoff race — and Gujarat Giants have shown they are ready for the challenge.