Sophie Devine and Nandani Sharma Shine at WPL 2026 Awards
Outstanding Individual Honors for GG and DC Players
At the conclusion of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026, Sophie Devine from Gujarat Giants (GG) was honored with the 'Most Valuable Player' award. Meanwhile, Nandani Sharma, a promising young pacer from Delhi Capitals (DC), earned the title of 'Emerging Player of the Season'. Despite Gujarat Giants finishing third and Delhi Capitals as runners-up, both teams celebrated individual achievements after reaching the finals four times.
Devine's Exceptional Performance and Nandani's Impressive Season
The 36-year-old New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine showcased her skills with both bat and ball, amassing 243 runs across nine matches at an average of 30.37 and a strike rate exceeding 148, including two half-centuries. Additionally, she claimed the 'Purple Cap' for the most wickets, taking 17 at an average of 16.00, with a standout performance featuring four wickets in a single match. In contrast, 24-year-old Nandani also took 17 wickets but with a higher average of 18.58. Her highlight was a remarkable five-wicket haul of 5/33 against GG, which included a hat-trick.
DC Sets Record Total in WPL Final
During the final match, RCB opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Lizelle Lee contributed 37 runs off 30 balls, supported by Shafali Verma's quick 20 off 13 balls, giving DC a strong start. A crucial 76-run partnership for the third wicket featured Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored 57 runs off 37 balls, and Laura Wolvaardt, who added 44 runs off 35 balls. Just when RCB seemed to regain control, Chinelle Henry's explosive 35 not out off 15 balls propelled DC to a record total of 203/4 in 20 overs, the highest ever in a WPL final.
RCB's Remarkable Chase Secures Second WPL Championship
In their chase, RCB faced an early setback with Grace Harris dismissed for just 8 runs. However, a phenomenal 165-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana, who scored 87 runs off 41 balls, and Georgia Voll, who contributed 79 runs off 54 balls, significantly boosted RCB's chances. Despite DC's efforts to regain momentum with three quick wickets in the closing overs, Radha Yadav (12*) and Nadine de Klerk (7*) successfully guided RCB to victory with six wickets remaining and two balls to spare. Mandhana was named 'Player of the Match'.