Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 28: It was a case of déjà vu for Delhi Capitals as Sophie Devine once again delivered under pressure, defending a tight final over to hand Gujarat Giants (GG) a dramatic three-run victory in a high-scoring Women’s Premier League encounter.
After successfully defending six runs against DC earlier this season on January 11, Devine was once again thrown the ball at the death — this time with eight runs to defend in DC’s chase of 175. Despite conceding 23 runs in her previous over, Devine kept her composure and removed Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana in the final over to seal the win.
The victory pushed Gujarat Giants to second place on the points table, taking them a step closer to the knockout stage.
Before the final-over drama, DC looked all but out of the contest at 100 for 6, but a sensational counterattack from Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana revived hopes. The duo smashed 70 runs off just 31 balls, bringing DC within touching distance of an unlikely win.
However, Devine’s late strikes ensured GG held on in a tense finish.
Gujarat Giants got off to a lively start after Anushka Sharma walked in at 1 for 19 following Devine’s early dismissal. After a cautious beginning, Anushka took charge with crisp strokeplay, punishing the bowlers with drives and clips, and particularly targeting Marizanne Kapp, who had been economical in the tournament.
She struck eight fours in her 39-run knock but fell attempting a slog sweep after being dropped, leaving GG at 73 for 2 in the ninth over.
With wickets around her, Beth Mooney played the stabilising role, holding the innings together with a composed knock. She accelerated after DC chose to bowl out Kapp early, striking boundaries freely and bringing up her first half-century of the season off 40 balls.
Mooney was eventually dismissed in the 17th over, after which GG suffered a mini-collapse with wickets falling in quick succession.
Just when DC seemed to have pulled things back, Tanuja Kanwar provided the finishing punch with a quick 21 off 11 balls, including a six and two fours in the final over to push Gujarat Giants to a competitive 174.
For DC, Shree Charani was the standout bowler, returning excellent figures of 4 for 31.
Delhi Capitals began the chase confidently, reaching 41 for 1 after five overs. But GG struck at key moments — Devine removed Lizelle Lee at the end of the powerplay, and then Kanwar and Ash Gardner applied the brakes with tight spells in the middle overs.
Devine returned to dismiss Jemimah Rodrigues, while Gardner removed Kapp, sending DC into trouble. Soon, Laura Wolvaardt also departed, leaving DC struggling at 85 for 5, and then 100 for 6, needing 75 from 33 balls.
Prasad and Rana’s late fireworks nearly pulled off the chase, but Devine’s calm execution in the final over proved decisive. She removed both set batters, and despite frantic running and late drama, Gujarat Giants held their nerve to secure a thrilling win by three runs.