In the electrifying world of women’s cricket, few matches capture the essence of drama like the Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 17th Match WPL 2026. Played on January 27, 2026, at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, this clash was a rollercoaster of emotions. Gujarat Giants emerged victorious by a razor-thin margin of three runs, completing a historic double over Delhi Capitals in a single WPL season.
This wasn’t just any game. It was a repeat of their earlier thriller in Match 4, where Sophie Devine defended six runs in the final over. Fast forward to Match 17, and Devine did it again, this time defending nine runs effectively to seal the deal. The win propelled Gujarat Giants to second place on the points table, boosting their playoff chances significantly.
Delhi Capitals, the three-time finalists, started as favorites after winning the toss and opting to bowl. But Gujarat Giants posted a competitive 174/9, thanks to Beth Mooney’s anchoring 58 and Anushka Sharma’s explosive 39. In reply, Delhi slumped to 100/6 before Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana’s heroic 70-run partnership nearly pulled off a miracle. Yet, Devine’s composure in the death overs proved the difference.
This Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 17th Match WPL 2026 wasn’t merely about runs and wickets. It highlighted resilience, tactical brilliance, and individual heroics. Let’s break it down step by step, from the toss to the post-match reflections.
Why This Match Mattered in WPL 2026
The Women’s Premier League 2026 has been a showcase of top-tier talent, with teams battling for playoff spots. Gujarat Giants entered this fixture needing a win to climb the ladder. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, aimed to solidify their position after a mixed run.
Historically, Delhi has dominated WPL encounters. But Gujarat flipped the script this season. Their first win over Delhi in Match 4 was by four runs, and now this three-run triumph marks them as the first team to achieve a league double over the Capitals.
The venue, BCA Stadium in Vadodara, played its part too. Known for balanced pitches that assist both batters and spinners, it set the stage for a high-scoring yet wicket-taking affair. With the tournament nearing its climax, every point counted. Gujarat’s victory gave them eight points, edging out Mumbai Indians on net run rate.
Sophie Devine, the Player of the Match, summed it up perfectly in her post-game interview: “It was deja vu, but staying calm and executing simple plans made the difference.” Her performance underlined why she’s a cornerstone for Gujarat Giants.
Toss and Team Lineups: Setting the Stage
Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision influenced by the dew factor under lights at Vadodara. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues explained: “The pitch looks good, but we fancy chasing here.”
Delhi Capitals Women Playing XI: Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (wk), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma.
Gujarat Giants Women Playing XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwer, Renuka Singh Thakur, Rajeshwari Gayakwad.
No major changes for either side. Gujarat stuck with their spin-heavy attack, while Delhi relied on their pace duo of Kapp and Henry.
Gujarat Giants Innings: From PowerPlay Blitz to Late Collapse
Gujarat Giants started aggressively after being inserted. Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine opened with intent, scoring four boundaries in the first two overs. Devine looked dangerous, smashing three fours before Marizanne Kapp dismissed her with a nip-backer in the third over.
Enter Anushka Sharma at No. 3. The young batter showcased why she’s a rising star in Indian women’s cricket. Nervy at first, she settled quickly, trusting her bottom hand. A backfoot punch past mid-off off Nandni Sharma got her going, followed by a wristy clip through midwicket.
Kapp, boasting the best PowerPlay economy in WPL 2026 (under five runs per over), faced the brunt in the fifth over. Anushka smashed three fours – driving through square leg with ease. By the end of the PowerPlay, Gujarat had raced to 53/1, the second-highest PowerPlay score at Vadodara this season.
Mooney, initially slow at 16 off 18, found rhythm post-Anushka’s arrival. The duo added 54 runs for the second wicket. Anushka continued her assault, hitting Sneh Rana for successive boundaries. A dropped catch by Chinelle Henry off Shree Charani didn’t cost much – Anushka holed out next ball to deep midwicket for 39 off 25 (eight fours).
At 73/2 in 8.5 overs, Gujarat looked set for 180+. Mooney accelerated, smashing three fours off Kapp’s final over to reach her first fifty of WPL 2026 off 40 balls (six fours). Ashleigh Gardner fell cheaply, but Georgia Wareham’s quick 11 (with a six) pushed them to 128/3.
Then came the collapse. Shree Charani struck twice – bowling Wareham and trapping Kanika Ahuja lbw. Bharti Fulmali and Kashvee Gautam departed quickly. Mooney chipped one to mid-off for 58 off 46 (seven fours). From 128/3, Gujarat slumped to 139/7.
Tanuja Kanwer’s cameo (21 off 11, three fours, one six) in the final over against Henry added crucial runs. Gujarat finished at 174/9 – competitive, but perhaps 10-15 short given the start.
Key stat: Gujarat’s PowerPlay 53 was explosive, but they managed only 41/4 in the death overs (16-20).
What went wrong? The middle-order couldn’t capitalize on the platform. Charani’s 4/31 was game-changing, her best WPL figures.
Detailed Gujarat Giants Batting Scorecard
Here’s the full batting scorecard for Gujarat Giants Women in tabular form for easy reference:
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beth Mooney (wk) | c Jemimah Rodrigues b Nandni Sharma | 58 | 46 | 7 | 0 | 126.09 |
| Sophie Devine | b Marizanne Kapp | 13 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 130.00 |
| Anushka Sharma | c Minnu Mani b Shree Charani | 39 | 25 | 8 | 0 | 156.00 |
| Ashleigh Gardner (c) | c Sneh Rana b Minnu Mani | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Georgia Wareham | b Shree Charani | 11 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 157.14 |
| Bharti Fulmali | b Chinelle Henry | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 60.00 |
| Kanika Ahuja | lbw b Shree Charani | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 80.00 |
| Kashvee Gautam | b Shree Charani | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Tanuja Kanwer | c Shree Charani b Chinelle Henry | 21 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 190.91 |
| Renuka Singh Thakur | not out | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 75.00 |
| Extras | (b 5, lb 6, w 7) | 18 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 174/9 (20 overs, RR: 8.7) | – | – | – | – | – |
Did not bat: Rajeshwari Gayakwad.
Delhi Capitals Bowling Figures
Delhi’s bowlers mixed discipline with breakthroughs:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marizanne Kapp | 4 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 8.50 |
| Chinelle Henry | 4 | 0 | 38 | 2 | 9.50 |
| Nandni Sharma | 4 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 6.50 |
| Shree Charani | 4 | 0 | 31 | 4 | 7.80 |
| Sneh Rana | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 11.00 |
| Minnu Mani | 3 | 0 | 23 | 1 | 7.70 |
Fall of wickets: 19/1 (2.2), 73/2 (8.5), 96/3 (11.3), 128/4 (14.4), 131/5 (15.4), 135/6 (16.3), 139/7 (17.1), 151/8 (17.6), 174/9 (19.6).
Delhi Capitals Chase: Explosive Start, Middle-Order Woes, and Late Fireworks
Delhi’s chase began with fireworks. Renuka Singh Thakur’s first over went for 16 runs – wayward lines punished by Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee. The openers raced to 26/0 in two overs, with Verma smashing three fours.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad struck early, having Verma caught at long-on for 14. Lee struggled for timing, scoring 11 off 20 before Devine removed her with a slower ball on the last PowerPlay delivery. Delhi reached 51/2 after six overs – solid but not dominant.
The middle overs (7-11) saw Gujarat’s spinners tighten the screws. Tanuja Kanwer and Ashleigh Gardner conceded just 15 runs in three overs. Laura Wolvaardt (24) and Jemimah Rodrigues (16) built a 31-run stand, but Devine returned to bowl Rodrigues with a beauty.
Two balls later, Gardner trapped Kapp for a golden duck. Wolvaardt fell to Gayakwad soon after, leaving Delhi at 85/5. Chinelle Henry (9) added little before Gayakwad struck again. At 100/6 after 14.3 overs, Delhi needed 75 off 33 balls – a steep ask.
Then came the turnaround. Niki Prasad, the 20-year-old sensation, and Sneh Rana unleashed fury. Prasad’s 47 off 24 included nine fours – cutting, lofting, and driving with precision. Rana complemented with 29 off 15 (three fours, two sixes).
Their 70-run seventh-wicket stand off 31 balls was joint-second highest for seventh or lower in WPL history. Prasad hammered four boundaries off Devine’s 17th over (23 runs). Rana smashed two sixes off Gardner’s 19th (29 runs), reducing the equation to nine off six.
Devine’s final over: Two runs off the first, single, wide. Five needed off four. Dot to Rana, then she holed out to deep midwicket. Prasad needed four off the last ball but found long-on. Gujarat won by three runs.
Key stat: Delhi’s 21 fours matched Gujarat’s, but two sixes vs. Gujarat’s two showed the difference in power-hitting.
What a chase! From despair to near-glory, Prasad and Rana’s partnership will be remembered.
Detailed Delhi Capitals Batting Scorecard
The chase in numbers:
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shafali Verma | c Ashleigh Gardner b Rajeshwari Gayakwad | 14 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 140.00 |
| Lizelle Lee (wk) | c Ashleigh Gardner b Sophie Devine | 11 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 55.00 |
| Laura Wolvaardt | b Rajeshwari Gayakwad | 24 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 104.35 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues (c) | b Sophie Devine | 16 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Marizanne Kapp | b Ashleigh Gardner | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Chinelle Henry | c Ashleigh Gardner b Rajeshwari Gayakwad | 9 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 81.82 |
| Niki Prasad | c Ashleigh Gardner b Sophie Devine | 47 | 24 | 9 | 0 | 195.83 |
| Sneh Rana | c Georgia Wareham b Sophie Devine | 29 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 193.33 |
| Minnu Mani | not out | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | (b 4, lb 1, w 14, nb 1) | 20 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 171/8 (20 overs, RR: 8.55) | – | – | – | – | – |
Did not bat: Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma.
Gujarat Giants Bowling Figures
Gujarat’s bowlers shone under pressure:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renuka Singh Thakur | 1 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 16.00 |
| Kashvee Gautam | 2 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 9.00 |
| Rajeshwari Gayakwad | 4 | 0 | 20 | 3 | 5.00 |
| Sophie Devine | 4 | 0 | 37 | 4 | 9.20 |
| Tanuja Kanwer | 4 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 6.50 |
| Ashleigh Gardner (c) | 4 | 0 | 37 | 1 | 9.20 |
| Georgia Wareham | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 12.00 |
Fall of wickets: 26/1 (2.2), 51/2 (5.6), 82/3 (10.6), 83/4 (11.2), 85/5 (12.3), 100/6 (14.3), 170/7 (19.4), 171/8 (19.6).
Match Flow and Key Milestones
The game ebbed and flowed:
- PowerPlay (GG Innings): 53/1 – Anushka’s blitz sets tone.
- Strategic Timeout (GG): 73/2 in 8.5 overs.
- Mooney’s Fifty: Off 40 balls.
- GG 150: In 17.4 overs.
- Innings Break: 174/9.
- PowerPlay (DC Innings): 51/2 – Brisk start.
- Strategic Timeout (DC): 51/2 in 6 overs, then 100/6 in 14.3.
- DC 150: In 18.1 overs.
- Prasad-Rana 50: In 22 balls.
Over 17.6 (GG Innings): DC reviewed Ahuja lbw – upheld.
Over 19.2 (DC Innings): GG reviewed wide – struck down.
Boundaries: Both teams hit 21 fours and 2 sixes. Dots: GG 36%, DC 37%. Extras: GG 18, DC 20.
Standout Performances: Heroes of the Match
Sophie Devine (GG) – 4/37, including the final-over masterclass. Despite leaking 23 in her third over, her variations and calm under pressure earned her Player of the Match. This was her joint-best WPL figures.
Beth Mooney (GG) – 58 off 46. Her first fifty of WPL 2026 anchored the innings. From slow to steady, she hit seven fours, providing the backbone.
Niki Prasad (DC) – 47 off 24. The youngster’s nine fours showcased maturity. Her partnership with Rana nearly stole the game.
Shree Charani (DC) – 4/31. Triggered GG’s collapse, her best WPL spell.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad (GG) – 3/20. Controlled the middle, dismissing key batters.
Anushka Sharma (GG) – 39 off 25. Her PowerPlay aggression (eight fours) gave GG momentum.
Tactical Analysis: What Won and Lost the Game
Batting Tactics: Gujarat’s PowerPlay (53/1) was aggressive, but their death-overs collapse (41/4) limited them. Delhi’s top order failed to convert starts, relying on lower-order fireworks. The Prasad-Rana stand was brave, targeting spinners with sweeps and lofts.
Bowling Strategies: Gujarat’s spinners (Gayakwad, Kanwer, Gardner) strangled the middle (49 runs, 4 wickets in overs 7-14). Devine’s pace changes in death were crucial. Delhi used Charani effectively in death, but leaking boundaries early hurt.
Fielding Impact: Gujarat took key catches in the deep (Gardner four times). Delhi dropped Anushka but recovered. Slow over-rate penalties added extra fielders inside the circle for both.
Captaincy Calls: Gardner’s gamble with her penultimate over (29 runs) nearly backfired, but trusting Devine paid off. Rodrigues bowled Kapp out early, allowing Mooney to accelerate.
Pitch Report: Vadodara offered good bounce early, slowing later for spinners. Par score: 170-180, as per captains. Dew played minimal role.
Turning Point: DC’s middle collapse (82/2 to 100/6). Without it, the chase might have been comfortable.
Compared to Match 4: Similar script – Devine defending low totals against DC. GG’s record vs DC now 2-0 in 2026.
Playoff Implications: GG at 8 points (2nd), need one more win vs MI. DC at 6 points (4th), must beat UPW.
Player Spotlights: Profiles and Impact
Sophie Devine (GG All-Rounder): The 36-year-old New Zealander is a WPL veteran. In 2026, she’s taken 15 wickets (leading Purple Cap) and scored crucial runs. Against DC, her 4/37 and final-over defences (6 and 8 runs) are legendary. Devine manages Type 1 diabetes, yet performs at peak. Quote: “Leaving ego at the door and adapting to conditions is key.”
Anushka Sharma (GG Batter): The uncapped Indian sensation, bought for ₹45 lakh, has lit up WPL 2026. Her 39 off 25 vs DC showed flair – flicks, lofts, drives. At 22, she’s known for big-stage prowess. Post-match: “The wicket was good; I backed my strengths.”
Jemimah Rodrigues (DC Captain): The 25-year-old leads DC for the first time in 2026. Scored 16 vs GG but has been consistent overall. Proactive tactics, like early Kapp usage, show growth. Quote: “Sneh and Niki were outstanding; we fight till the end.”
Beth Mooney (GG Opener): Australian keeper-batter’s 58 was her sixth 50+ in WPL. Slow starter but accelerator. In 2026, she’s GG’s top scorer. “Moons batted outstandingly,” said Devine.
Niki Prasad (DC Batter): 20-year-old breakout star. Her 47 vs GG (nine fours) under pressure was mature. Joint-record partnership with Rana.
Sneh Rana (DC All-Rounder): Veteran off-spinner’s 29 off 15 (two sixes) complemented her bowling. Experience shone in the fightback.
These players embody WPL’s blend of youth and experience.
Post-Match Reactions: Voices from the Dugout
Sophie Devine (Player of the Match): “I felt I owed one to Ash after getting pumped. Brave from her to bowl the 19th. Staying calm, simple plans – that’s it. Learning from locals in these conditions is huge. Awesome group; Mooney’s platform, Anushka’s talent, Gayakwad’s bowling – team effort.”
Ashleigh Gardner (GG Captain): “Rollercoaster for the fans. Wickets improving, batters adapting – 170-180 par. Bowled well for 17 overs, then let back in. Keep stumps in play, variations key. One more win for playoffs confidence.”
Anushka Sharma (GG): “Nail-biting again vs DC. Credit to Sophie and catches. Niki batted exceptionally, but we held on. Enjoyed batting; room to improve. Wrist pain fine now.”
Jemimah Rodrigues (DC Captain): “Credit to Sneh and Niki – outstanding partnership, kept hope alive. Conceded 15-20 extra; needed top-order partnerships. Encouraging fight. Regroup for must-win vs UPW; we’re still in it.”
These quotes, sourced from official WPL channels and ESPNcricinfo, highlight the emotional intensity.
Updated WPL 2026 Points Table After Match 17
Gujarat’s win shook up the standings:
| Position | Team | M | W | L | PT | NRR | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women | 7 | 5 | 2 | 10 | +0.947 | W W W L L |
| 2 | Gujarat Giants Women | 7 | 4 | 3 | 8 | -0.271 | L L L W W |
| 3 | Mumbai Indians Women | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | +0.146 | W L L L W |
| 4 | Delhi Capitals Women | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -0.164 | W L W W L |
| 5 | UP Warriorz Women | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | -0.769 | L L W W L |
RCB has qualified. GG eyes playoffs with a win vs MI. DC needs victory over UPW. (Data from ESPNcricinfo and official WPL site.)
Notable Stats and Records from Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 17th Match WPL 2026
- GG first team to double over DC in a WPL season.
- Devine’s final-over defences: 6 (M4), 8 (M17) – among tightest in WPL.
- Prasad-Rana 70: Joint-2nd highest 7th+ wicket stand in WPL (equals Grace Harris-Sophie Ecclestone’s 70*).
- Charani’s 4/31: Best for DC in 2026.
- Gayakwad’s 3/20: Her WPL best.
- Drop catches: GG leads WPL 2026 with 13 (68.2% catch rate).
- Fewest win margins: 3 runs now 4th (behind 1,1,2).
These stats, compiled from Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo, add layers to the narrative.
Historical Context: GG vs DC Rivalry in WPL
In WPL history, DC has been dominant, reaching finals thrice. GG struggled in early seasons but turned around in 2026. Match 4: GG won by 4 runs (Devine 95 & 2/21). Match 17: Echoed the drama.
This rivalry showcases WPL’s growth – from lopsided to thrilling.
Broader Impact on WPL 2026
This match exemplified WPL’s appeal: close finishes, emerging talents like Prasad, and stars like Devine. Viewership spikes on JioHotstar and Star Sports. For fans, it’s inspiration; for players, pressure cooker.
What’s next? RCB vs UPW on Jan 29. GG vs MI, DC vs UPW – decisive for playoffs.
Wrapping Up the Epic Clash
The Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 17th Match WPL 2026 was cricket at its finest – tension, skill, heartbreak. GG’s resilience triumphed, thanks to Devine’s magic. DC fought valiantly but fell short.
What did you think of Devine’s final over? Share in comments!
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FAQs: Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women
1. Who won the Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 17th Match WPL 2026?
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women Gujarat Giants Women defeated Delhi Capitals Women by 3 runs in a thrilling final-over finish on January 27, 2026, at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. GG posted 174/9 before restricting DC to 171/8.
2. What was the final score and result in GG vs DC WPL 2026 Match 17?
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women Gujarat Giants Women: 174/9 (Beth Mooney 58, Anushka Sharma 39). Delhi Capitals Women: 171/8 (Niki Prasad 47, Sneh Rana 29). GG won by 3 runs, completing the season double over DC.
3. Who was the Player of the Match in Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 17th Match WPL 2026?
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women Sophie Devine was named Player of the Match for her all-round heroics: 4/37 with the ball, including a clutch final over where she defended 9 runs and took 2 wickets.
4. What were the key GG vs DC highlights from the WPL 2026 17th Match?
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women Highlights included Anushka Sharma’s PowerPlay blitz (39 off 25), Beth Mooney’s anchoring fifty (58), DC’s middle-order collapse to 100/6, Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana’s 70-run rescue partnership, and Sophie Devine’s dramatic final-over defence in a nail-biting thriller.
5. How did Sophie Devine defend the final over in the GG vs DC WPL 2026 thriller?
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women Needing 9 runs off the last over, Devine conceded only 2 runs off the bat, bowled a crucial wide, and took wickets of Sneh Rana and Niki Prasad on the penultimate and final balls to seal a 3-run victory.
6. What is the updated WPL 2026 points table after Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women Match 17?
After Match 17:
1. RCB Women – 10 pts
2. Gujarat Giants Women – 8 pts
3. Mumbai Indians Women – 6 pts
4. Delhi Capitals Women – 6 pts
5. UP Warriorz Women – 4 pts
GG jumped to 2nd place.
7. Where can I find the full scorecard for Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 17th Match WPL 2026?
Delhi Capitals Women vs Gujarat Giants Women The complete scorecard, including batting, bowling figures, fall of wickets, and extras, is detailed above. Gujarat Giants scored 174/9; Delhi Capitals finished at 171/8.
8. What were the standout individual performances in GG vs DC WPL 2026?
Sophie Devine (4/37 & final-over heroics), Beth Mooney (58), Niki Prasad (47 off 24), Shree Charani (4/31), Rajeshwari Gayakwad (3/20), and Anushka Sharma (39 off 25) were the top performers.
9. What did captains say in post-match reactions after the WPL 2026 Match 17?
Sophie Devine credited calm execution, Ashleigh Gardner called it a rollercoaster but praised consistency, Anushka Sharma lauded Niki Prasad, and Jemimah Rodrigues highlighted the encouraging lower-order fight despite top-order issues.
10. How does this result affect playoff chances in WPL 2026?
Gujarat Giants strengthened their position at 2nd with 8 points and need one more win for a like
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