TATA WPL 2026: Gujarat Tops Table, defeating DC by 4 runs

By: WE Staff | Monday, 12 January 2026

• Sophie Devine’s explosive 95 powered the Gujarat Giants to 209
• Match produced 414 runs, second-highest aggregate in WPL history
• Nandani Sharma claimed a sensational hat-trick on WPL debut

Gujarat Giants produced a dramatic all-round performance, thrashing Delhi Capitals by four runs in a high-scoring WPL thriller at the DY Patil Stadium, defending 209 in one of the most nail-biting finishes of the season. The contest, which yielded a combined 414 runs, the second-highest aggregate in league history, swung repeatedly before Sophie Devine’s composure under pressure sealed the result and lifted Gujarat to the top of the table.

Sophie was the driving force behind Gujarat’s imposing total, blasting a ferocious 95 off just 42 balls in an innings. She tore into both pace and spin, including a record-breaking over against Sneh Rana, to set the tone early. Ashleigh Gardner provided crucial support with a fluent 49. Still, Delhi fought back strongly through debutant Nandani Sharma, whose remarkable hat-trick at the death curtailed Gujarat’s momentum and restricted them to 209 despite a dominant start.

Delhi’s chase began with early intent, aided by a costly dropped catch, as Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt stitched together a threatening partnership. Lee’s elegant yet aggressive 86 kept the required rate in check, while Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a composed 77. Even after Lee’s dismissal, Delhi stayed firmly in the hunt, entering the final over needing just seven runs with two set batters at the crease.

However, Sophie returned to bowl the decisive over and turned the match using clever changes of pace. She dismissed both Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues. The win marked Gujarat’s second successive victory, while Delhi slipped to a second straight defeat, despite a vastly improved batting display from the previous game.