Gujarat Giants Beat Delhi Capitals by 3 Runs in WPL 2026
Gujarat Giants Edge Delhi Capitals by 3 Runs in WPL 2026 Thriller: Devine's 4/37 & Gayakwad's 3/20 Seal Dramatic Victory.Sophie Devine delivered a sensational performance with the ball, claiming four wickets for 37 runs, while Rajeshwari Gayakwad picked up three wickets for just 20 runs. Their combined efforts restricted Delhi Capitals to 171/8 while chasing 175.
Earlier, Gujarat Giants posted 174/9 in 20 overs, powered by Beth Mooney's composed 58 off 46 deliveries and Anushka Sharma's impressive 39 off 25 balls. Delhi Capitals fought back through Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana, but Devine held her nerve in the final over to seal a memorable victory.
The result gave Gujarat two valuable points and strengthened their position in the WPL 2026 playoff race.
Match Details: Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals
Match information
Details
Tournament
Women's Premier League 2026
Match
17th Match
Date
27 January 2026
Venue
BCA Stadium, Vadodara
Gujarat Giants
174/9 (20 overs)
Delhi Capitals
171/8 (20 overs)
Result
Gujarat Giants won by 3 runs
Player of the Match
Sophie Devine
Gujarat Giants Set a Competitive Target of 175 Runs
Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to field first, putting Gujarat Giants into bat. The decision initially appeared promising as Delhi's bowlers regularly picked up wickets and prevented the opposition from building an uninterrupted partnership.
Beth Mooney provided stability at the top of the order. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter played a sensible innings, scoring 58 runs from 46 balls with seven boundaries.
Sophie Devine contributed 13 off 10 deliveries before being dismissed by Marizanne Kapp. Anushka Sharma then became one of Gujarat's most important contributors, scoring 39 runs from just 25 balls.
Her innings included eight fours and helped maintain the scoring rate despite wickets falling at the other end.
Delhi's Sree Charani was particularly impressive, taking four wickets for 31 runs. Chinelle Henry also contributed with two wickets.
Towards the end, Tanuja Kanwar provided valuable runs with an unbeaten 21 off 11 balls. Her aggressive batting helped Gujarat Giants reach 174/9, giving their bowlers a challenging total to defend.
Delhi Capitals' Chase Starts Positively
Chasing 175, Delhi Capitals needed a strong opening partnership. Shafali Verma provided an attacking start, but Rajeshwari Gayakwad removed her after scoring 14 runs from 10 deliveries.
Lizelle Lee managed 11 off 20 balls before Sophie Devine dismissed her. Although Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues attempted to rebuild the innings, Gujarat continued to apply pressure.
Wolvaardt scored 24 off 23 deliveries, while Rodrigues contributed 16 off 16 balls.
The turning point came during the middle overs when Delhi lost several important wickets. Marizanne Kapp was dismissed for a golden duck, and Chinelle Henry could manage only nine runs.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad's disciplined spin bowling played a major role in the collapse. Her ability to control the middle overs made it difficult for Delhi's batters to maintain momentum.
Delhi Capitals found themselves struggling at 100/6, with the required run rate continuing to increase.
Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana Bring Delhi Back into the Contest
Just when Gujarat appeared to have complete control, Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana produced an outstanding late recovery.
Niki Prasad played an aggressive innings of 47 runs from only 24 balls, hitting nine boundaries. Her positive approach gave Delhi Capitals renewed hope of completing the chase.
Sneh Rana also contributed with an important 29 off 15 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes.
Their partnership completely changed the atmosphere of the contest. Delhi began finding boundaries regularly and put Gujarat's bowling attack under enormous pressure.
The 17th over proved particularly expensive, with Devine conceding 23 runs. Suddenly, Delhi had a realistic opportunity to pull off an extraordinary victory.
The equation came down to nine runs from the final six deliveries.
Sophie Devine Defends Nine Runs in a Dramatic Final Over
The final over belonged to Sophie Devine.
Despite conceding heavily earlier in the innings, the New Zealand all-rounder maintained her composure when Gujarat needed her most.
Devine dismissed Sneh Rana before removing Niki Prasad on the final delivery. Both wickets proved decisive as Delhi Capitals finished their innings at 171/8.
Gujarat Giants won by three runs, completing a remarkable victory in front of the Vadodara crowd.
Devine finished with figures of 4/37 and was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Her performance demonstrated the importance of experience, confidence and execution in high-pressure T20 cricket.
Just when Gujarat appeared to have complete control, Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana produced an outstanding late recovery.
Niki Prasad played an aggressive innings of 47 runs from only 24 balls, hitting nine boundaries. Her positive approach gave Delhi Capitals renewed hope of completing the chase.
Sneh Rana also contributed with an important 29 off 15 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes.
Their partnership completely changed the atmosphere of the contest. Delhi began finding boundaries regularly and put Gujarat's bowling attack under enormous pressure.
The 17th over proved particularly expensive, with Devine conceding 23 runs. Suddenly, Delhi had a realistic opportunity to pull off an extraordinary victory.
The equation came down to nine runs from the final six deliveries.
Sophie Devine Defends Nine Runs in a Dramatic Final Over
The final over belonged to Sophie Devine.
Despite conceding heavily earlier in the innings, the New Zealand all-rounder maintained her composure when Gujarat needed her most.
Devine dismissed Sneh Rana before removing Niki Prasad on the final delivery. Both wickets proved decisive as Delhi Capitals finished their innings at 171/8.
Gujarat Giants won by three runs, completing a remarkable victory in front of the Vadodara crowd.
Devine finished with figures of 4/37 and was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Her performance demonstrated the importance of experience, confidence and execution in high-pressure T20 cricket.
4. Additional Analysis: What This Result Means for WPL 2026
The Gujarat Giants' victory was more than just another league-stage result. It highlighted how quickly momentum can change in women's T20 cricket.
For Gujarat, the biggest positive was the contribution of their bowling unit. Devine and Gayakwad provided the breakthroughs, while the other bowlers helped maintain pressure during crucial periods.
The batting performance also deserves recognition. Mooney's half-century gave Gujarat a foundation, while Anushka Sharma's attacking approach and Tanuja Kanwar's late contribution ensured that the team reached a competitive total.
For Delhi Capitals, the defeat exposed some concerns about middle-order consistency. Losing wickets between the 11th and 15th overs made their chase considerably more difficult.
However, Prasad and Rana demonstrated that Delhi still possessed the firepower to challenge strong bowling attacks.
The match also offered an important lesson for both teams: a T20 contest is never finished until the final ball has been bowled.
Gujarat's ability to recover under pressure could prove valuable in the later stages of the competition, while Delhi will need to improve their batting stability in similar situations.
The Gujarat Giants' victory was more than just another league-stage result. It highlighted how quickly momentum can change in women's T20 cricket.
For Gujarat, the biggest positive was the contribution of their bowling unit. Devine and Gayakwad provided the breakthroughs, while the other bowlers helped maintain pressure during crucial periods.
The batting performance also deserves recognition. Mooney's half-century gave Gujarat a foundation, while Anushka Sharma's attacking approach and Tanuja Kanwar's late contribution ensured that the team reached a competitive total.
For Delhi Capitals, the defeat exposed some concerns about middle-order consistency. Losing wickets between the 11th and 15th overs made their chase considerably more difficult.
However, Prasad and Rana demonstrated that Delhi still possessed the firepower to challenge strong bowling attacks.
The match also offered an important lesson for both teams: a T20 contest is never finished until the final ball has been bowled.
Gujarat's ability to recover under pressure could prove valuable in the later stages of the competition, while Delhi will need to improve their batting stability in similar situations.
Key Performers of the Match
Player
Performance
Player
Performance
Sophie Devine
13 runs, 4/37
Rajeshwari Gayakwad
3/20
Beth Mooney
58 off 46
Anushka Sharma
39 off 25
Niki Prasad
47 off 24
Sneh Rana
29 off 15
Sree Charani
4/31
Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals: Match Scorecard
Gujarat Giants – 174/9 (20 overs)
Beth Mooney – 58 (46)
Sophie Devine – 13 (10)
Anushka Sharma – 39 (25)
Ashleigh Gardner – 2 (4)
Georgia Wareham – 11 (7)
Tanuja Kanwar – 21 (11)
Sree Charani – 4/31
Chinelle Henry – 2/38
Delhi Capitals – 171/8 (20 overs)
Shafali Verma – 14 (10)
Lizelle Lee – 11 (20)
Laura Wolvaardt – 24 (23)
Jemimah Rodrigues – 16 (16)
Niki Prasad – 47 (24)
Sneh Rana – 29 (15)
Sophie Devine – 4/37
Rajeshwari Gayakwad – 3/20
Final Result Gujarat Giants won by 3 runs.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals WPL 2026 encounter delivered everything cricket supporters expect from an exciting T20 match: powerful batting, impressive bowling, unexpected momentum shifts and a dramatic final over.
Beth Mooney and Anushka Sharma laid the foundation with the bat, while Sophie Devine and Rajeshwari Gayakwad delivered outstanding performances with the ball.
Delhi Capitals came remarkably close to completing the chase, but Gujarat's bowlers held their nerve when it mattered most.
Sophie Devine's four-wicket haul and her remarkable final-over performance will remain among the memorable moments of this WPL 2026 encounter.
What did you think of Sophie Devine's performance? Could Delhi Capitals have won the match if Niki Prasad had stayed until the final ball? Share your thoughts in the comments!
13 runs, 4/37
Rajeshwari Gayakwad
3/20
Beth Mooney
58 off 46
Anushka Sharma
39 off 25
Niki Prasad
47 off 24
Sneh Rana
29 off 15
Sree Charani
4/31
Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals: Match Scorecard
Gujarat Giants – 174/9 (20 overs)
Beth Mooney – 58 (46)
Sophie Devine – 13 (10)
Anushka Sharma – 39 (25)
Ashleigh Gardner – 2 (4)
Georgia Wareham – 11 (7)
Tanuja Kanwar – 21 (11)
Sree Charani – 4/31
Chinelle Henry – 2/38
Delhi Capitals – 171/8 (20 overs)
Shafali Verma – 14 (10)
Lizelle Lee – 11 (20)
Laura Wolvaardt – 24 (23)
Jemimah Rodrigues – 16 (16)
Niki Prasad – 47 (24)
Sneh Rana – 29 (15)
Sophie Devine – 4/37
Rajeshwari Gayakwad – 3/20
Final Result Gujarat Giants won by 3 runs.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals WPL 2026 encounter delivered everything cricket supporters expect from an exciting T20 match: powerful batting, impressive bowling, unexpected momentum shifts and a dramatic final over.
Beth Mooney and Anushka Sharma laid the foundation with the bat, while Sophie Devine and Rajeshwari Gayakwad delivered outstanding performances with the ball.
Delhi Capitals came remarkably close to completing the chase, but Gujarat's bowlers held their nerve when it mattered most.
Sophie Devine's four-wicket haul and her remarkable final-over performance will remain among the memorable moments of this WPL 2026 encounter.
What did you think of Sophie Devine's performance? Could Delhi Capitals have won the match if Niki Prasad had stayed until the final ball? Share your thoughts in the comments!
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who won the Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals WPL 2026 match?
Gujarat Giants defeated Delhi Capitals by three runs in Match 17 of WPL 2026.
Q2. What was Gujarat Giants' score?
Gujarat Giants scored 174/9 in 20 overs.
Q3. How many runs did Delhi Capitals score?
Delhi Capitals finished at 171/8 in their 20 overs.
Q4. Who was Player of the Match?
Sophie Devine was named Player of the Match for her contribution of 13 runs and four wickets for 37 runs.
Q5. Who scored the most runs for Gujarat Giants?
Beth Mooney was Gujarat's leading batter, scoring 58 runs from 46 deliveries.
Q6. Who was Delhi Capitals' top scorer?
Niki Prasad scored 47 runs from 24 balls, including nine boundaries.
Q7. How many wickets did Rajeshwari Gayakwad take?Rajeshwari Gayakwad claimed three wickets for 20 runs in four overs.
Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals, WPL 2026 Highlights: Sophie Devine & Rajeshwari Gayakwad Star as Giants Edge Delhi by 3 Runs in Thrilling Thriller
Tournament Context and Stakes
The WPL 2026 season has been fiercely competitive, with teams battling for playoff spots in a format featuring high-stakes league games across venues like Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. Gujarat Giants, led by captain Ashleigh Gardner, entered this clash needing points to climb the table after inconsistent results. Delhi Capitals, under Jemimah Rodrigues, sat higher with a better net run rate but faced pressure to maintain momentum after earlier wins.
The Kotambi Stadium pitch in Vadodara offered early movement for pacers and grip for spinners later, with dew potentially aiding the chasers. Gujarat opted to bat first after losing the toss, aiming to set a defendable total on a surface that could slow down.
Gujarat Giants Innings: Steady Start, Late Flourish
Delhi's bowlers, led by Sree Charani's career-best 4/31, kept the Giants in check early. Beth Mooney anchored the innings with a measured 58 off 46 balls (7 fours), providing stability amid regular wickets. Anushka Sharma injected momentum with 39 off 25, blending elegant drives and powerful hits. Tanuja Kanwar's unbeaten 21 off 11 at the death helped push the total to 174/9.
Key partnerships included Mooney's stabilizing stand and late contributions from the lower order. Delhi's attack was disciplined, with Chinelle Henry (2/38) and others restricting boundaries, but the Giants' depth ensured a competitive score.
Delhi Capitals Chase: Early Promise, Mid-Innings Collapse
Delhi's chase began brightly, with Shafali Verma smashing a boundary off the first ball and racing to 26 quickly. However, Rajeshwari Gayakwad struck in the powerplay, removing Verma and later brushing Laura Wolvaardt's off stump for 24 off 23. Lizelle Lee struggled for fluency (11 off 20), caught out, while captain Jemimah Rodrigues managed only 16 off 16 before being bowled by Devine.
Late Drama: Prasad-Rana Fightback and Devine's Heroics
With the game slipping away, Niki Prasad (47 off 24, 9 fours) and Sneh Rana (29 off ?) launched a stunning counterattack. The 17th over from Devine went for 23, reducing the equation to 37 off 18. They took 20 off Gardner and 8 off Kanwar, taking it to the final over needing 9.
Devine, who had conceded heavily earlier, held her nerve. She conceded just 5 runs in the 20th over, dismissing Rana and Prasad in quick succession—Sneh Rana caught, Niki Prasad holing out. Delhi finished at 171/8, falling short by 3 runs.
Key Performances and Analysis
Sophie Devine (Player of the Match): 4/37, including crucial death-over strikes. Her composure under pressure echoed her earlier heroics against Delhi, cementing her as a big-match player.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad: 3/20, masterfully controlling the middle overs with flight and turn.
Beth Mooney: 58 off 46, the anchor who set the platform.
Niki Prasad & Sneh Rana: Valiant but ultimately insufficient late surge.
The win highlighted Gujarat's bowling depth and mental toughness, while exposing Delhi's middle-order fragility. It kept Gujarat alive in the playoff race.
Scorecard
Gujarat Giants 174/9 (20 overs) Beth Mooney 58 (46), Anushka Sharma 39 (25), Tanuja Kanwar 21* (11) Sree Charani 4/31, Chinelle Henry 2/38
Delhi Capitals 171/8 (20 overs) Niki Prasad 47 (24), Sneh Rana 29 Sophie Devine 4/37, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 3/20, Ashleigh Gardner 1/?
Gujarat Giants won by 3 runs.
This thriller added another chapter to WPL's reputation for edge-of-the-seat contests, with Devine and Gayakwad emerging as the architects of Gujarat's vital victory.
In a heart-pounding encounter at the BCA Stadium (Kotambi Stadium) in Vadodara on January 27, 2026, Gujarat Giants pulled off a dramatic three-run victory over Delhi Capitals in Match 17 of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026.
Sophie Devine delivered a match-winning four-wicket haul (4/37), while left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad chipped in with 3/20 to derail Delhi's chase of 175. The Giants posted 174/9 after being sent in, thanks to Beth Mooney's composed 58 off 46 and Anushka Sharma's quickfire 39 off 25. Delhi fell agonizingly short at 171/8, with Niki Prasad's valiant 47 off 24 proving in vain as Devine defended nine runs in the final over, striking twice to seal the win.
This result completed a season double for Gujarat Giants over Delhi Capitals, boosting their playoff hopes in a tightly contested league. The match showcased elite bowling under pressure, tense batting collapses, and a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.
This result completed a season double for Gujarat Giants over Delhi Capitals, boosting their playoff hopes in a tightly contested league. The match showcased elite bowling under pressure, tense batting collapses, and a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Tournament Context and Stakes
The WPL 2026 season has been fiercely competitive, with teams battling for playoff spots in a format featuring high-stakes league games across venues like Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. Gujarat Giants, led by captain Ashleigh Gardner, entered this clash needing points to climb the table after inconsistent results. Delhi Capitals, under Jemimah Rodrigues, sat higher with a better net run rate but faced pressure to maintain momentum after earlier wins.
The Kotambi Stadium pitch in Vadodara offered early movement for pacers and grip for spinners later, with dew potentially aiding the chasers. Gujarat opted to bat first after losing the toss, aiming to set a defendable total on a surface that could slow down.
Gujarat Giants Innings: Steady Start, Late Flourish
Delhi's bowlers, led by Sree Charani's career-best 4/31, kept the Giants in check early. Beth Mooney anchored the innings with a measured 58 off 46 balls (7 fours), providing stability amid regular wickets. Anushka Sharma injected momentum with 39 off 25, blending elegant drives and powerful hits. Tanuja Kanwar's unbeaten 21 off 11 at the death helped push the total to 174/9.
Key partnerships included Mooney's stabilizing stand and late contributions from the lower order. Delhi's attack was disciplined, with Chinelle Henry (2/38) and others restricting boundaries, but the Giants' depth ensured a competitive score.
Delhi Capitals Chase: Early Promise, Mid-Innings Collapse
Delhi's chase began brightly, with Shafali Verma smashing a boundary off the first ball and racing to 26 quickly. However, Rajeshwari Gayakwad struck in the powerplay, removing Verma and later brushing Laura Wolvaardt's off stump for 24 off 23. Lizelle Lee struggled for fluency (11 off 20), caught out, while captain Jemimah Rodrigues managed only 16 off 16 before being bowled by Devine.
Marizanne Kapp fell for a golden duck to Gardner.
From 82/1, Delhi slumped to 100/6 as Gayakwad and Devine dismantled the middle order. Chinelle Henry added just 9 off 11, leaving the lower order exposed.
From 82/1, Delhi slumped to 100/6 as Gayakwad and Devine dismantled the middle order. Chinelle Henry added just 9 off 11, leaving the lower order exposed.
Late Drama: Prasad-Rana Fightback and Devine's Heroics
With the game slipping away, Niki Prasad (47 off 24, 9 fours) and Sneh Rana (29 off ?) launched a stunning counterattack. The 17th over from Devine went for 23, reducing the equation to 37 off 18. They took 20 off Gardner and 8 off Kanwar, taking it to the final over needing 9.
Devine, who had conceded heavily earlier, held her nerve. She conceded just 5 runs in the 20th over, dismissing Rana and Prasad in quick succession—Sneh Rana caught, Niki Prasad holing out. Delhi finished at 171/8, falling short by 3 runs.
Key Performances and Analysis
Sophie Devine (Player of the Match): 4/37, including crucial death-over strikes. Her composure under pressure echoed her earlier heroics against Delhi, cementing her as a big-match player.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad: 3/20, masterfully controlling the middle overs with flight and turn.
Beth Mooney: 58 off 46, the anchor who set the platform.
Niki Prasad & Sneh Rana: Valiant but ultimately insufficient late surge.
The win highlighted Gujarat's bowling depth and mental toughness, while exposing Delhi's middle-order fragility. It kept Gujarat alive in the playoff race.
Scorecard
Gujarat Giants 174/9 (20 overs) Beth Mooney 58 (46), Anushka Sharma 39 (25), Tanuja Kanwar 21* (11) Sree Charani 4/31, Chinelle Henry 2/38
Delhi Capitals 171/8 (20 overs) Niki Prasad 47 (24), Sneh Rana 29 Sophie Devine 4/37, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 3/20, Ashleigh Gardner 1/?
Gujarat Giants won by 3 runs.
This thriller added another chapter to WPL's reputation for edge-of-the-seat contests, with Devine and Gayakwad emerging as the architects of Gujarat's vital victory.
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