Giants Edge Capitals in Thriller to Climb to Second on Points Table

Gujarat Giants moved to second place on the points table and took a significant step towards the knockouts with a dramatic three-run win over Delhi Capitals in a last-over thriller.

Defending 174, the Giants held their nerve as Sophie Devine once again starred at the death, removing Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana in the final over to seal victory. It was a familiar script for Delhi Capitals: just as on January 11, Devine was entrusted with defending a small total in the final over—and she delivered again.

Earlier, Gujarat Giants posted 174 for 9 after being put in to bat. Anushka Sharma provided early momentum with a brisk 39 off a flurry of boundaries. Walking in at 19 for 1 after Devine’s early dismissal, Anushka grew in confidence after a nervy start, striking eight fours and taking the attack to Marizanne Kapp during the powerplay. Her innings ended in the ninth over when she was caught at deep midwicket attempting a slog sweep.

Beth Mooney then anchored the innings with a composed knock, bringing up her first half-century of the season off 40 balls. After starting quietly, Mooney found her rhythm once Kapp was bowled out, striking a series of boundaries through the off side. She was eventually dismissed in the 17th over by a slower delivery from Nandani Sharma.

Gujarat’s innings threatened to unravel as wickets fell in quick succession through the middle and death overs, with Shree Charani emerging as Delhi’s standout bowler, finishing with 4 for 31. However, a late cameo from Tanuja Kanwar—21 off just 11 balls—proved crucial. Her assault in the final over, which included a six straight back over the bowler’s head, lifted the Giants to a competitive total.

Delhi Capitals began their chase confidently, reaching 41 for 1 inside five overs, but Gujarat’s spinners and medium pacers applied the brakes through the middle overs. Devine dismissed Lizelle Lee at the end of the powerplay and later cleaned up Jemimah Rodrigues, while Ash Gardner and Tanuja Kanwar bowled with control to drive up the required run rate.

At 100 for 6, Delhi appeared out of contention, but Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana launched a stunning counterattack. The pair added 70 runs in just 31 balls, with Prasad smashing nine fours in a 25-ball 47 and Rana contributing valuable boundaries to bring the target within touching distance.

With eight required off the final over, Devine kept her composure, using slower deliveries and smart field placements to dismiss both set batters. Despite frantic running and a tense finish, Gujarat Giants held on to complete a dramatic victory and strengthen their push for a knockout berth.