Gujarat seek another ‘Devine’ intervention as Delhi chase a hat-trick of wins

As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 enters the business end of the league stage, the race for the playoffs is heating up. With two spots still up for grabs, every match now carries immense significance. While WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already sealed their place in the playoffs, four teams remain locked in a tight battle for the remaining positions.

Two of those contenders will cross swords today at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, where Gujarat Giants take on an in-form Delhi Capitals side. Delhi arrive with momentum firmly on their side, having registered impressive wins over RCB and Mumbai Indians in their last two outings on the same ground.

The last time Gujarat and Delhi faced each other, on 11 January at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, the contest turned into a thriller for the ages. Over 400 runs were scored in the match, Delhi’s Nandni Sharma claimed the first hat-trick of the season, and Gujarat’s Sophie Devine fell agonisingly short of what would have been the WPL’s first-ever century.

Despite dominating large portions of that encounter, Delhi suffered a dramatic collapse in the final over. Needing just seven runs from six balls with seven wickets in hand, victory seemed inevitable. However, Devine, who had earlier bludgeoned 95 off just 42 deliveries produced a stunning final over with the ball, conceding only two runs and picking up two crucial wickets, including those of captain Jemimah Rodrigues and half-centurion Laura Wolvaardt. It was a truly ‘Devine’ intervention, as the former New Zealand captain snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

More than two weeks later, as the two teams prepare to meet once again, the objective remains the same for both sides — secure a vital win, strengthen their position on the points table, and keep their playoff hopes firmly alive.

While the overseas stars will inevitably draw attention, the spotlight will also be on Indian players such as Bharti Fulmali of Gujarat and Delhi’s Nandni Sharma. Fulmali, who last represented India in T20Is in 2019, has earned an international recall in 2026 and has been selected for India’s upcoming tour of Australia. Her consistency in domestic cricket and aggressive performances in the WPL have paid rich dividends. The 31-year-old will be keen to capitalise on every opportunity that comes her way. Meanwhile, Sharma, playing her debut WPL season, is currently the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and will look to draw inspiration from her five-wicket haul against Gujarat earlier in the competition.

Once again, much will depend on Mumbai girl Jemimah Rodrigues, who is captaining Delhi Capitals for the first time. A team that has finished runners-up in all three previous editions of the WPL, Delhi will rely heavily on Rodrigues’ leadership and batting prowess. She is well supported by a formidable line-up that includes Marizanne Kapp, the most economical bowler of the tournament, explosive openers Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma, and world number one ODI batter Laura Wolvaardt at number three.

Gujarat, led by their dynamic captain Ashleigh Gardner, who is the world’s top-ranked ODI all-rounder, also boast a balanced and powerful squad. With match-winners such as Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney and Renuka Singh Thakur in their ranks, the Giants have the firepower to challenge any opposition. However, overcoming an in-form Delhi side will be no easy task. Gujarat may need to draw confidence from their dramatic win against the same opponents earlier in the tournament, especially in a season where they have blown hot and cold.

With everything at stake in this high-pressure encounter between Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals, fans can expect a contest full of intensity, drama and fireworks.

Head-to-Head (last 5 matches)

Gujarat Giants – 2| Delhi Capitals – 3

Match details

Date: January 27, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar