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.
Key Performer: Beth Mooney
Beth Mooney played the anchor role, registering a composed fifty that stabilised the innings through the middle overs. Her ability to rotate strike and pick up boundaries at crucial moments ensured Gujarat did not lose momentum after early setbacks. Anushka Sharma added valuable runs with a brisk contribution, while Tanuja Kanwar's 21 off 11 balls in the final over proved decisive.
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.
Match-Winning Spell: Sophie Devine
Devine removed both Prasad and Rana in the final over, conceding just four runs and sealing a dramatic three-run victory for Gujarat Giants. The sequence mirrored an earlier encounter between the sides this season, reinforcing Devine’s reputation as one of the most reliable performers in crunch situations. Her figures did not fully capture the impact of that final over, but the result spoke volumes.
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.