Delhi Capitals put up a spirited all-round performance but fell agonizingly short as Gujarat Giants secured a four-run victory in a high-scoring Women’s Premier League 2026 clash at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on Sunday.
Chasing a daunting target of 210, the JSW and GMR co-owned side finished on 205 for 5, staying alive in the contest until the final ball.
Delhi’s chase was anchored by two high-quality knocks at the top of the order. South African opener Lizelle Lee played a commanding innings of 86 off 54 deliveries, mixing clean power with intelligent placement. She found strong support in Laura Wolvaardt, whose rapid 77 off just 38 balls kept the asking rate within reach for most of the chase. The duo ensured that the pressure stayed firmly on Gujarat Giants, even as the required rate climbed in the closing overs.
Despite the late surge, Delhi was ultimately left just short, a result that underlined how fine the margins were in a contest defined by momentum swings. Earlier in the evening, DC’s bowlers had worked hard to restrict Gujarat, with the standout performance coming from young pacer Nandni Sharma, who produced a spell that will be remembered as one of the finest by an Indian bowler in the tournament’s history.
Playing only her second match in the Women’s Premier League, Nandni returned sensational figures of 5 for 33. In the process, she became the first Indian uncapped player to claim a hat-trick in the WPL and the first Indian to register a five-wicket haul in the competition. Her heroics were highlighted by four wickets in the final over, a rare feat at any level of the game and one that underlined her ability to deliver under pressure.
Reflecting on the narrow defeat, Nandni focused on the collective fight shown by the team. “We stayed in the contest till the very end. Everyone gave their best and we were very close. These things happen in cricket, but the way the team fought was very positive,” she said.
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The young pacer also acknowledged the constant backing she received from captain Jemimah Rodrigues during her spell. “Jemi kept telling me to do my best. She was guiding me ball by ball, and that helped me a lot, and it allowed me to stay calm,” Nandni added, highlighting the importance of on-field leadership in high-pressure situations.
Nandini was quick to credit the influence of senior players within the Delhi Capitals setup, particularly experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp. “Marizanne Kapp has helped me a lot. She talks to me about the pitch, situations, and what length to bowl. Having someone with that experience guiding you makes things much easier,” she said.
Speaking about her journey into professional cricket, Nandini reflected on the challenges and learnings that shaped her development. “My elder brother used to play cricket and go to the academy every day, and that’s how I started. I joined when I was eight years old, but I was very young and didn’t get many opportunities initially. I left for some time, but after six months I started again,” she recalled.
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She explained how her game evolved after the lockdown, particularly through playing alongside boys at training sessions. “They used to pick the ball very easily, so I realized I needed to improve my pace and work on variations. For the last year, I have been practicing mostly with my parents and my brother, and they have given me a lot of time and support,” Nandni said.
Highlighting the lessons learned at the elite level, she added, “At this level, batters will hit good balls as well, so you have to stay calm and focus on execution. I have learned to bowl according to the batter and the situation, and every match gives you something new to learn.”
Nandni also emphasized the importance of the Women’s Premier League as a platform for young fast bowlers. “This tournament gives young players a chance to express themselves. There will be tough phases, injuries, and times when things don’t go your way, but you have to fight through that and never give up,” she said.
Delhi Capitals will now turn their attention to their next fixture against UP Warriorz on Wednesday, January 14, as they look to build on the positives from a performance that, despite the result, showcased their depth, resilience, and fighting spirit.
