Sometimes in cricket, individual brilliance isn’t enough. That was the cruel reality for young pacer Nandini Sharma on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. In a historic moment, she became the first Indian bowler to take a Nandini Sharma hat-trick in the Women’s Premier League—but watched helplessly as her team, Delhi Capitals, fell agonizingly short in a nail-biting finish against Gujarat Giants.
The match will be remembered not just for its statistical milestones but for its emotional whiplash: from despair to dominance, pressure to poise, and ultimately, triumph snatched from the jaws of defeat—all in the space of 40 overs.
Table of Contents
- The Rise and Fall of Nandini Sharma’s Hat-Trick
- Sophie Devine’s Masterclass Under Fire
- How Gujarat Giants Pulled Off a Last-Ball Win
- WPL 2026: Why This Match Matters for the Tournament
- Key Stats and Records from the Delhi vs Gujarat Clash
- What’s Next for Both Teams in the WPL Race?
- Conclusion: Brilliance Overshadowed—but Not Forgotten
- Sources
The Rise and Fall of Nandini Sharma’s Hat-Trick
At just 20 years old, Nandini Sharma announced herself on the biggest stage with a spell that had fans on their feet. Bowling in the death overs during Gujarat’s innings, she clean-bowled Ashleigh Gardner, trapped Deandra Dottin LBW with a sharp inswinger, and then castled Beth Mooney with a perfect yorker—completing a sensational Nandini Sharma hat-trick .
It was the first hat-trick by an Indian bowler in WPL history and only the second overall after Georgia Wareham’s feat in 2023. The crowd erupted, teammates mobbed her, and social media lit up with praise. Yet, despite her figures of 4/22, Delhi Capitals still conceded 172/7—a total that would prove just out of reach.
Sophie Devine’s Masterclass Under Fire
If Nandini provided the drama with the ball, Sophie Devine delivered it with the bat—and then some. The New Zealand all-rounder walked in early and played a captain’s knock of 95 off just 61 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and 4 towering sixes . Her innings wasn’t just about power; it was about pacing, placement, and reading the game.
Devine anchored Gujarat’s innings after early wobbles, forming crucial partnerships and accelerating precisely when needed. But her real test came at the end—not with the bat, but with the ball. Asked to bowl the final over with Delhi needing 9 runs to win, Devine held her nerve like a seasoned closer. She gave away just 4 runs, including a dot ball on the penultimate delivery, sealing a four-run victory off the very last ball.
How Gujarat Giants Pulled Off a Last-Ball Win
Chasing 173, Delhi started strongly with Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning putting on a 50-run stand. But once Lanning fell, the innings lost rhythm. Though Jess Jonassen (38*) kept hope alive, the required rate climbed steadily.
With 18 needed off the last two overs, Gujarat turned to their captain. Devine’s penultimate over went for 9—but her final over was a masterclass in pressure bowling:
- Ball 1: Dot – full toss driven straight to cover.
- Ball 2: 1 run – worked to midwicket.
- Ball 3: 2 runs – misfield in the deep.
- Ball 4: Dot – perfect yorker, dug out defensively.
- Ball 5: 1 run – pushed to long-on.
- Ball 6: 1 run needed, but only a single taken – match over.
That final over encapsulated why Devine is one of the most complete players in women’s cricket today.
WPL 2026: Why This Match Matters for the Tournament
This clash wasn’t just another group-stage fixture. It highlighted the growing depth and competitiveness of the WPL. For Gujarat Giants, it was a statement win after a shaky start to the season. For Delhi Capitals, it exposed a recurring issue: an over-reliance on top-order batters and a fragile middle order under pressure.
As noted by analysts at the ESPNcricinfo, teams that can’t chase 170+ consistently will struggle in knockout scenarios . This match may serve as a wake-up call for several franchises.
Key Stats and Records from the Delhi vs Gujarat Clash
- First Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in WPL history: Nandini Sharma.
- Sophie Devine’s 95 is the highest score by a captain in WPL 2026 so far.
- Gujarat Giants’ win margin: 4 runs (last-ball finish).
- Delhi Capitals have now lost 3 of their last 4 WPL games chasing over 160.
What’s Next for Both Teams in the WPL Race?
Gujarat Giants will carry massive momentum into their next game against UP Warriorz, with Devine in sublime form and their bowling attack showing depth. Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, must address their middle-order fragility. Relying on Shafali or Lanning alone won’t cut it in a tournament this competitive.
[INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-2026-team-analysis] offers deeper tactical breakdowns of all five franchises.
Conclusion: Brilliance Overshadowed—but Not Forgotten
Nandini Sharma’s hat-trick may not have secured a win, but it marked the arrival of a future star. And while Sophie Devine stole the headlines with bat and ball, the real winner was women’s cricket itself—a sport delivering edge-of-the-seat drama, historic milestones, and unforgettable performances. In the WPL, every ball counts, and on this day, Gujarat Giants counted just one more than Delhi.
Sources
- Times of India: WPL: Nandini’s hat-trick goes in vain; Devine’s Gujarat outpower Delhi
- ESPNcricinfo: WPL 2026 Coverage and Stats