Vadodara: Gujarat Giants held their nerve in a heart-stopping finish to defeat Delhi Capitals by just three runs in a pulsating Women’s Premier League clash at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, further tightening the race for the playoffs.
Defending 174, the Giants were pushed to the brink by a sensational late assault from Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana, whose fearless hitting turned a lost cause into a near-miracle chase. Needing nine off the final over, Delhi once again ran into the immovable force of Sophie Devine, who delivered under pressure for the second time this season against the Capitals.
Devine finished with match-winning figures of 4 for 37, earning her the Player of the Match award. Her final over sealed Gujarat’s victory and completed a historic double over Delhi Capitals in the league stage — a first in WPL history.
Giants Set the Platform
Earlier, Gujarat Giants posted 174 for 9, riding on a composed innings from Beth Mooney, who anchored the batting effort. Anushka Sharma looked fluent before falling, while a late cameo from Tanuja Kanwer (21 off 11) added crucial runs. For Delhi, Sree Charani was outstanding with the ball, claiming four wickets.
Late Fireworks Nearly Steal the Game
Delhi’s chase promised much early as Shafali Verma blazed away in the powerplay, but regular wickets saw them slump from 82 for 2 to 100 for 6. Just when the contest seemed done, Prasad (47 off 24) and Rana (29 off 15) ignited the stadium with a stunning 70-run partnership off 31 balls, including a brutal assault on the 17th and 19th overs.
Despite the fireworks, Devine’s calm execution in the final over ensured Gujarat crossed the line, leaving Delhi agonisingly short yet proud of their fightback.
Points Table Impact
With the win, Gujarat Giants climb to second place with eight points, while Delhi Capitals drop to fourth with six, keeping the table finely poised. The WPL now takes a one-day break before action resumes on Thursday, January 29, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru face UP Warriorz.
A roller-coaster contest, a nerve-jangling finish, and another reminder—in the WPL, no game is over till the last ball is bowled.
Source: WPL
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