WPL 2026 Thriller: How Sophie Devine’s Final Over Sealed Gujarat’s Nerve-Wracking Win Over Delhi

Sophie Devine holds her nerve as Gujarat edge Delhi in thrilling WPL clash

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If you missed the WPL 2026 clash between Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals on January 27, 2026, you missed one of the most electrifying finishes in women’s T20 history. With nine runs needed off the final over and wickets in hand, Delhi Capitals looked poised to pull off a dramatic victory. But standing in their way was New Zealand’s all-rounder extraordinaire, Sophie Devine—and she wasn’t backing down. In a display of composure that defied the roaring crowd and mounting pressure, Devine conceded just six runs, sealing a razor-thin three-run win for Gujarat [[1]]. This wasn’t just a match; it was a masterclass in high-stakes cricket.

Match Overview: A Nail-Biter for the Ages

Played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, the encounter was billed as a battle between two evenly matched sides. Gujarat Giants, led by Beth Mooney, came in with momentum from their previous win, while Delhi Capitals were desperate to bounce back after an early loss. What unfolded was a textbook T20 thriller: aggressive batting, clever bowling, and a finish so tense it had fans holding their breath until the very last delivery.

Gujarat Giants’ Innings: Mooney and Sharma Set the Stage

Gujarat posted a competitive total of 174/6 in their 20 overs, built on two crucial knocks:

  • Beth Mooney (58 off 44 balls): The Australian opener anchored the innings with her trademark elegance, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries.
  • Anushka Sharma (39 off 25 balls): The young Indian batter provided the late surge, smashing three sixes in her cameo to propel Gujarat past the 170-mark.

Delhi’s bowlers, including Jess Jonassen and Marizanne Kapp, kept things tight in the middle overs, but couldn’t contain the acceleration in the death. That 174 would prove to be just enough—but only barely.

Delhi Capitals’ Chase: Hope Until the Last Ball

Delhi’s chase started shakily, losing Shafali Verma early. But Meg Lanning and Jemimah Rodrigues steadied the ship before both fell in quick succession. Just when it seemed Gujarat would run away with it, Sneh Rana and Niki Prasad staged a stunning counterattack. Rana’s aggressive 32 off 21 balls brought the equation down to 9 off 6, setting up the perfect finale. The stadium erupted—everyone believed Delhi had it in the bag.

Sophie Devine’s Final Over: Ice in Her Veins

This is where legends are made. Captain Ashleigh Gardner handed the ball to Sophie Devine for the final over—a bold move given Devine’s primary role as a batter. But the Kiwi star delivered under fire:

  • Ball 1: Dot ball—Rana beaten by pace.
  • Ball 2: Single taken, keeping strike.
  • Ball 3: Prasad swings and misses—another dot!
  • Ball 4: Two runs scrambled.
  • Ball 5: FOUR! Rana smashes it to long-off—but still 3 needed.
  • Ball 6: Full toss… blocked! Only two runs. Gujarat win by 3!

Devine’s mix of yorkers, slower balls, and sheer nerve turned the tide. It was a moment that will be replayed in WPL highlight reels for years to come.

Tactical Breakdown: Why Gujarat Won

Three key decisions gave Gujarat the edge:

  1. Powerplay Caution: Mooney avoided early risks, preserving wickets for the death overs.
  2. Death Bowling Rotation: Gardner used spin (Deandra Dottin) and pace (Devine) smartly in the final five overs.
  3. Field Placements: Saving boundaries in the last over—especially with two fielders in the deep on Ball 5—was critical.

In contrast, Delhi’s middle-order collapse between overs 10–15 proved costly, forcing Rana and Prasad to take unnecessary risks later.

Impact on WPL 2026 Standings and Playoffs

With this win, Gujarat Giants jump to second place in the WPL 2026 points table with 4 points from 2 matches. Delhi Capitals, now with 1 loss and 1 win, sit fourth—but remain in strong contention. Every match in this tournament is proving decisive, and performances like Devine’s remind us why the WPL has become a global showcase for women’s cricket excellence. For fantasy players, Mooney and Devine are must-picks this week—check our updated tips at [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-fantasy-cricket-guide].

Conclusion: The Magic of Women’s T20 Cricket

The WPL 2026 continues to deliver drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. This Gujarat vs. Delhi clash wasn’t just about points—it was a testament to the resilience, talent, and competitive spirit of women cricketers on the world stage. Sophie Devine’s final over will be remembered not just for its outcome, but for the calm brilliance it displayed under extreme pressure. As the tournament heats up, one thing is clear: the WPL isn’t just growing—it’s already elite.

Sources

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