Devine’s Heroics Hand Delhi Capitals a Second Straight Heartbreak in WPL 2026

In the competitive world of sports, even remarkable performances can sometimes be overshadowed by defeat. In the 2026 edition of the WPL, Lizelle Lee’s impressive 86, Laura Wolvaardt’s steadfast 77, and Nandini Sharma’s electrifying five-wicket haul—which featured a 20th-over hat-trick—were not enough to secure a win for the Delhi Capitals.

On Sunday, at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the Gujarat Giants clinched a four-run victory, maintaining their unbeaten record. Opting to bat first, the Giants’ overseas players, led by Sophie Devine, showcased a dazzling display of range-hitting, effortlessly finding gaps and clearing the boundary. They dominated the PowerPlay at 80/0, advancing to 122/1 by the 10th over, with Devine and captain Ashleigh Gardner pressuring the Capitals’ bowling attack.

Nandini ended Devine’s quest for her first WPL century with a catch secured by N. Shree Charani. Shree Charani then dismissed Georgia Wareham, with Jemimah Rodrigues pulling off a difficult catch at extra cover. Gardner guided the innings past the 200-run mark before departing.

After being limited to just two overs against the Mumbai Indians a day prior, Jemimah showed faith in Nandini to deliver the 20th over. Nandini did not disappoint, completing a hat-trick and claiming four wickets in the over to achieve a five-wicket haul.

Chasing a formidable 210, the Capitals set out to achieve the tournament’s highest successful chase. Lee partnered with her old South African teammate Wolvaardt, giving the Capitals a strong start despite Shafali Verma’s early departure. Lee’s inventive stroke play saw her find gaps with ease, her 12 boundaries a testament to her smart shot selection.

Devine, thwarted twice from scoring a WPL century, caught Lee’s attempt at long on. As Chinelle Henry fell early, Wolvaardt, sitting at 36 off 23, accelerated, amassing 40 runs in the next 13 balls thanks to some erratic Giant bowling. The daunting target was pared down from 60 needed off 24 balls to just seven off the final six.

Yet, Devine defended the total with precision, taking two wickets in the last over to leave the Delhi Capitals just short of victory.

Published on January 11, 2026.