Gujarat Giants pulled off another thriller as Devine denies Delhi Capitals in a nerve-shredding finish, defending eight runs in the final over to secure a dramatic three-run victory in Vadodara. The result lifted the Giants to second place on the WPL points table and marked a significant step toward qualification, with Sophie Devine once again proving decisive under pressure.
Giants build a fighting total despite late stutters
Asked to bat, Gujarat Giants posted a competitive 174 for 9, built around Beth Mooney’s composed 58 and Anushka Sharma’s brisk 39. Early momentum came from Anushka, who counterattacked after Devine fell cheaply, striking eight fours in a confident cameo. Her assault on Marizanne Kapp briefly tilted the contest before a mistimed slog ended her stay.
Mooney anchored the innings with patience before accelerating through the middle overs, reaching her first fifty of the season. Despite losing wickets in clusters between the 15th and 18th overs, the Giants found a late boost through Tanuja Kanwar’s 11-ball 21. That finishing flourish proved vital, especially as Devine denies Delhi Capitals the chance to restrict the total below par. Even as wickets tumbled, the platform ensured Devine denies Delhi Capitals would become the defining theme of the night.
Middle-overs squeeze turns the tide
Delhi Capitals began their chase brightly, but the match swung during a decisive middle-overs spell. Devine’s slower delivery removed Lizelle Lee at the end of the powerplay, triggering a collapse. Tight spells from Tanuja Kanwar and Ashleigh Gardner strangled the scoring, while Devine returned to rattle Jemimah Rodrigues’ stumps.
At 100 for 6, the Capitals were staring at defeat, with the required rate soaring. The pressure created during this phase underlined why Devine denies Delhi Capitals yet again in crunch moments. By the time wickets continued to fall, it felt inevitable that Devine denies Delhi Capitals would headline another dramatic finish.
Final-over drama seals another Devine special
Just when the game seemed done, Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana launched a stunning counterattack, adding 70 in just 31 balls to drag the chase back from the brink. Prasad’s fearless strokeplay and Rana’s power hitting reduced the equation to eight off the last over.
Despite conceding heavily earlier, Devine held her nerve. Two key wickets and smart slower balls ensured Devine denies Delhi Capitals once more, sparking wild celebrations. In a season defined by fine margins, Devine denies Delhi Capitals again — a reminder that experience and composure can still trump momentum when it matters most.
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