In a thrilling encounter at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on January 27, 2026, the Gujarat Giants edged past the Delhi Capitals by 3 runs, significantly boosting their hopes for a Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 playoff berth. Sophie Devine's all-round performance and Rajeshwari Gayakwad's crucial spin bowling proved decisive as the Giants completed a season double over the Capitals.

Gujarat Giants posted a total of 174 for 9 after electing to bat first. Marizanne Kapp struck early for Delhi, dismissing the dangerous Sophie Devine. However, Anushka Sharma (39) and Beth Mooney (58) steadied the ship with a 54-run partnership. Regular wickets threatened to derail the innings, but a late cameo from Tanuja Kanwer (21 off 11 balls) propelled the Giants to a competitive total, with 35 runs coming off the last 3 overs. Shree Charani was the pick of the Delhi bowlers, claiming a career-best 4 for 31.

Delhi's chase began aggressively, with Shafali Verma racing to 26. However, Rajeshwari Gayakwad struck a crucial blow by removing Verma. The Delhi innings then lost momentum, with Laura Wolvaardt (24) and Lizelle Lee (11) failing to capitalize on their starts. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 16 before falling to Devine, and a mini-collapse saw Delhi slump to 100 for 6. A late surge from Sneh Rana (29) and Niki Prasad (47) offered a glimmer of hope, but Delhi ultimately fell short, finishing at 171 for 8.

Sophie Devine led the Gujarat Giants' bowling attack with 4 wickets for 37 runs, while Rajeshwari Gayakwad took 3 for 20. Tanuja Kanwer was also economical, conceding just 26 runs in her four overs. With Delhi needing nine runs off the final over, Devine held her nerve, dismissing Rana lbw and then inducing a catch from Prasad to Ashleigh Gardner on the final ball.

The Gujarat Giants have demonstrated their ability to defend totals, having successfully defended 153 in a previous game. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Gujarat Giants, as they became the first team in WPL history to complete a double over the Delhi Capitals.

Following this result, Gujarat Giants have climbed to second place in the WPL 2026 standings, strengthening their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, will rue their inability to convert starts into substantial scores.