Sophie Devine turns 9 runs into WPL history; etches a new record of all-time defence

Sophie Devine defends to create WPL record [Source: X]

The Women’s Premier League witnessed a mega thriller on the night of January 27 as Delhi Capitals Women and Gujarat Giants Women locked horns, with Sophie Devine emerging as an immovable wall with the ball.

Sophie Devine, who is known for her all-round heroics, has been a favourite for the Gujarat Giants this season, having scalped 15 wickets from seven innings. However, what stood out on this occasion was her ability to defend just nine runs in the final over against Delhi Capitals Women in Vadodara.

While doing so, Sophie Devine etched her name at the top of an elite list of bowlers who have successfully defended the fewest runs in the final over in WPL history.

Sophie Devine etches WPL history with lowest runs ever defended in WPL

Remarkably, Devine features twice on this list. Earlier this season, she defended just seven runs against Delhi Capitals in Mumbai, and on January 27, she defended nine runs in Vadodara to once again register the record for defending the fewest runs in the final over.

The list is followed by Grace Harris, who defended 10 runs against Delhi Capitals in 2024, Sophie Molineux, who defended 11 runs for RCB against UP Warriorz, and Asha Sobhana, who defended 12 runs for RCB against Mumbai Indians in 2024.

Fewest Runs Successfully Defended in the final over in WPL:

7 - Sophie Devine (GG) vs DC, Mumbai (DY Patil), 2026

9 - Sophie Devine (GG) vs DC, Vadodara, 2026*

10 - Grace Harris (UPW) vs (DC), Delhi, 2024

11 - Sophie Molineux (RCB) vs (UPW), Bengaluru, 2024

12 - Asha Sobhana (RCB) vs (MI), Delhi, 2024

With Sophie Devine making the cut twice on this elite list, it is worth revisiting how she pulled off what seemed almost impossible.

The dramatic final over defense by Sophie Devine

Delhi Capitals were chasing a target of 175 set by Gujarat Giants Women, with nine runs required in the final over. Sneha Rana and Nikki Prasad were at the crease.

For context, both batters were striking the ball cleanly, with Prasad on 44 off 21 deliveries and Rana on 29 off 13 balls. With both batters in red-hot form, defending nine runs appeared nearly impossible for Sophie Devine.

Adding to the drama, the Gujarat Giants were penalised for a slow over rate, resulting in an extra fielder being placed inside the circle.

On the first ball, Prasad worked the ball to the leg side as the batters picked up two runs. Despite a brief run-out scare, the second delivery resulted in an inside edge from Nikki Prasad that went towards short fine leg, allowing the duo to sneak in a quick single.

The third delivery was bowled at around 100 kph but was accidentally sent down as a wide, which was safely stopped by Beth Mooney behind the stumps. At this stage, Delhi Capitals required five runs from four deliveries. Sneha Rana faced the next ball, which was a dot. A full delivery outside the off stump completely bamboozled Rana as she missed a sweep shot.

The turning point of the match!

The fourth ball proved to be the turning point. Sneha Rana charged down the track to hit the ball towards the leg side, where Georgia Wareham was positioned. Wareham completed a sharp catch, and Rana was dismissed for 29. With five runs required from two balls, Minnu Mani walked in as the new batter, and the equation once again looked manageable for Delhi.

Devine then bowled a short delivery outside the off stump, which was worked for a single. With four runs required off the final ball, Nikki Prasad attempted a leg-stump swipe, but the ball went straight up in the air. Ashleigh Gardner palmed the catch to seal the game for Gujarat Giants.

Gujarat Giants eventually won the match by three runs, marking one of the lowest margin victories in WPL history, second only to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s two-run win against UP Warriorz in 2024.