Sophie Devine hailed a complete team effort after Gujarat Giants pulled off a thrilling three-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026.
Devine, who returned figures of 4/37 to earn the Player of the Match award, credited her teammates for holding their nerve in a tense finish and singled out Beth Mooney for laying the foundation with the bat.
“Got absolutely pumped in one of those overs and brought them back in. I tried to stay calm and keep it as simple as possible in the 20th over,” Devine said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “It’s really important as overseas players to leave your ego at the door and ask for help. Staying fresh physically and mentally is crucial. Beth Mooney was outstanding, Anushka Sharma was fantastic again, and it was a real team effort.”
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Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner described the contest as an emotional rollercoaster and praised her bowlers for sticking to simple plans under pressure.
“My heart rate was going through the roof in that last over,” Gardner said. “As bowlers, when you overcomplicate things, it doesn’t work. Our two left-arm spinners were brilliant today. Consistency was key.”
Gardner added that while the win was worth celebrating, the Giants would quickly shift focus to their final league clash against Mumbai, a side they have struggled against historically.
Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues lauded the fighting knocks from Sneh Rana and Niki Prasad, but admitted her side conceded extra runs in the first innings.
“The way Sneh and Niki played was outstanding. They gave us real hope,” Jemimah said. “But we probably gave away 15–20 extra runs while bowling. We also needed partnerships at the top, including from me. The next game is very important, so we need to regroup.”
Earlier, Beth Mooney’s composed 58 off 46 balls, studded with seven fours, helped Gujarat Giants post a competitive 174/9 after being asked to bat first. It was Mooney’s sixth 50-plus score for the franchise, second only to Ashleigh Gardner in WPL history.
For Delhi Capitals, Shree Charani led the bowling effort with 4/31, while Charlie Henry, Marizanne Kapp, Nandini Sharma and Minnu Mani chipped in with wickets.
In reply, Delhi Capitals mounted a late charge through Niki Prasad’s blistering 47 off 24 balls and Sneh Rana’s quickfire 21 off 11, but Devine’s late strikes and disciplined bowling from Rajeshwari Gayakwad (3/20) ensured Gujarat Giants held on for a dramatic win.
(By ANI Inputs)
