Mumbai: The TATA WPL 2026 delivered yet another nail-biting contest as Gujarat Giants narrowly defeated Delhi Capitals, featuring standout individual performances and edge-of-the-seat moments. Speaking on JioStar’s Match Centre Live, experts Saba Karim, Anjum Chopra, and Katey Martin highlighted key contributions from Sophie Devine, Nandni Sharma, and emerging Indian talent, reflecting on the increasing quality and competitiveness of the league.
Saba Karim praised Devine’s calm under pressure in the final over: “Hats off to Sophie Devine for keeping her nerve. Defending just seven runs in the last over, she dismissed Jemimah Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt. That was the game’s turning point. Credit to Captain Ashleigh Gardner for trusting her with the crucial deliveries—her slower balls and accuracy were perfect. It was a thrilling match, and Devine was outstanding.”
Karim also lauded Delhi Capitals’ Nandni Sharma for her brilliant bowling display: “What stood out was Nandni Sharma’s composure, especially in the final over of the first innings. Getting Devine out with a slower ball showed incredible confidence. She gave Delhi Capitals a fighting chance, conceding hardly any runs and even taking a hat-trick. Seeing young pace bowlers like Nandni step up is excellent for Indian cricket.”
Anjum Chopra highlighted the growing fan engagement and rising standard of Indian talent: “Season four of the WPL has seen brilliant support. Indian players stepping up, like Anushka Sharma for Gujarat Giants, shows the depth and skill now on display. The close contests and rising entertainment value underline the league’s growth.”
Katey Martin echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Devine’s match-winning contributions: “Sophie Devine set the tone with both bat and ball. Her sweep shots were exceptional, and she reached 95 before a superb catch dismissed her. In the final over, she bowled under immense pressure, taking wickets and creating dot balls. It was a clutch performance and a reminder of her match-winning ability.”
With Nandni Sharma’s five-wicket haul and hat-trick and Sophie Devine’s all-round brilliance, the TATA WPL continues to showcase high-quality cricket and emerging talent, setting the tone for a thrilling season ahead.
