On the defeat, the fast bowler said – Nandini Sharma remained in the match till the last ball.

Mumbai Delhi Capitals, co-owned by JSW and GMR, produced a strong all-round performance in their second match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 but suffered a four-run defeat against Gujarat Giants at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on Sunday.

Chasing the big target of 210 runs, Delhi Capitals team could only score 205 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs and remained in the match till the last ball. Chasing the target, Liezel Lee played a brilliant inning of 86 runs off 54 balls, while Laura Wolvaardt scored a swashbuckling 77 runs off 38 balls.

Earlier, Delhi Capitals’ bowling was led by young fast bowler Nandini Sharma, who took 5 wickets for 33 runs. Nandini, playing only her second match in the WPL, created history by becoming the first uncapped Indian player to take a hat-trick in the tournament. With this, she also became the first Indian bowler to take five wickets in WPL. Nandini put a halt to Gujarat’s innings by taking four wickets in the last over of the innings.

Reacting to the close match, Nandini Sharma said in a statement issued by the franchise,

“We stayed in the fight till the last ball. All the players gave their best and we were very close to victory. Such things happen in cricket, but the way the team fought was very positive.”

Regarding the support she received from captain Jemimah Rodrigues on the field, Nandini said, “Jamie was constantly asking me to give my best. She was guiding me on every ball, which helped me a lot and I was able to stay calm.”

Talking about the guidance she has received from the team’s experienced players, she said, “Marijan Kapp has helped me a lot. She talks to me about the pitch, the match situation and what length to bowl. Having such an experienced player around makes things easier.”

Talking about her cricket journey, Nandini said, “My elder brother used to play cricket and used to go to the academy every day, that’s where I also started. I joined at the age of eight, but being young, I didn’t get many opportunities in the beginning. I left the game for some time, but started again after six months. Later, I practiced with a coach who specifically taught me how to bowl bouncers. After the lockdown, I changed coaches and started playing with boys. They were able to bowl the ball easily. Since I used to play, I felt the need to work on my speed and variations. I have been practicing mostly with my parents and brother for the last one year and they have given me a lot of time and support.”

On the lessons learned at this level, he said, “Here the batsmen play shots even on good balls, so you have to remain calm and focus on your execution. I have learned to bowl according to the batsman and the situation and every match teaches something new.”

Calling the WPL a great platform for young fast bowlers, Nandini said, “This tournament gives young players an opportunity to express themselves. There will be tough times, injuries and moments when things don’t go in your favour, but you have to keep fighting and never give up.”

Delhi Capitals will now take on UP Warriors in their next match of the Women’s Premier League 2026 on Wednesday, January 14, where the team will look to build on the positive experiences gained so far.