WPL 2026, Match 17 Review: Devine trumps DC again as Giants clinch thriller

Gujarat Giants clinched a sensational three-run victory over Delhi Capitals Women in Match 17 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 on Tuesday, January 27, at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara.

Inserted to bat, the Giants notched up a competitive 174/9 riding on the back of opener Beth Mooney’s composed 46-ball 58, including seven boundaries. Mooney held her end unperturbed and kept the scoreboard moving even as wickets fell at regular intervals around her.

She got some crucial assistance from Anushka Sharma, who walked in after Sophie Devine was sent back by Marizanne Kapp in the third over. The duo shared a 54-run partnership in 39 balls for the second wicket, with Anushka playing the aggressor, including three fours off Kapp in a single over inside the powerplay. She eventually fell for 39 after miscuing a sweep off left-arm spinner Shree Charani to deep midwicket right after being reprieved on the previous delivery.

Mooney continued from the other end but eventually perished to the change of pace from Nandani Sharma. The Giants then endured a mini-collapse, losing four wickets in overs 15 to 18 before Tanuja Kanwer gave some late impetus with a brisk 21 off 11 with three fours and a six.  

Charani was the standout performer with the ball for the Capitals, returning with impressive figures of 4/31 in her four overs, including a double-wicket one. She was well assisted by Chenille Henry, who claimed two wickets for 38 runs.

Out to chase, the Capitals fought valiantly but eventually fell short, finishing 171/8 in their 20 overs. They had a strong start, but a sudden collapse of the top order exposed the middle order too soon.

Niki Prasad (47 off 25) and Sneh Rana (29 off 15) breathed life into the chase as they counterattacked in their seventh-wicket 70-run alliance off merely 31 balls, although it was not to be for the Capitals as Devine emerged as the Giants’ bowling talisman with a match-winning four-wicket haul (4/37).

Tasked to defend eight runs in the final over, Devine displayed remarkable calm, making it the second time she defended a single-digit total in the 20th over in her career.

The Capitals Women will be up against UP Warriorz in Vadodara on Sunday, February 1. Meanwhile, the Giants will meet Mumbai Indians on Friday, January 30, at the same venue.