Nandani Sharma emerged as one of the biggest talking points of the Women’s Premier League after producing a sensational bowling performance for Delhi Capitals, even though it came in a losing cause against Gujarat Giants.
The young pacer from Chandigarh announced herself on the big stage with a stunning five-wicket haul, including a memorable hat-trick, during a high-scoring thriller at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Born in 2001, Nandani Sharma has steadily risen through the ranks of Indian domestic cricket.
Known for her disciplined pace bowling, she has represented Chandigarh in domestic tournaments and impressed in inter-zonal matches while playing for the North Zone Women.
Her consistent performances earned her a spot with Delhi Capitals, who picked her up for Rs 20 lakh at the WPL 2026 auction.
Nandani’s moment of magic came during the final over of the Gujarat Giants’ innings. Tasked with bowling under immense pressure, she delivered a remarkable spell, picking up four wickets in six balls and conceding just two runs.
Her victims included Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Renuka Singh Thakur, with the final three dismissals completing her hat-trick.
With this feat, Nandani became only the fourth bowler in WPL history to claim a hat-trick and just the second Indian to achieve the milestone.
Despite her heroics, Gujarat Giants still managed to post a daunting total of 209, powered by Sophie Devine’s blistering 95 off 42 balls.
Devine later played the decisive role again by defending seven runs in the final over of the match, ensuring Gujarat Giants clinched a dramatic four-run victory.
Speaking after the match, Nandani credited Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues and senior teammate Shafali Verma for constantly motivating her on the field.
She revealed that changing her line and length after her first over proved to be a turning point.
Nandani also spoke emotionally about her family, sharing that her mother, brother and a close friend were present at the ground while the rest watched from home.
Delhi Capitals’ chase promised much but ended in heartbreak. South African stars Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt put on a strong partnership and took DC close to the target.
However, Sophie Devine’s calm and clinical final over turned the game on its head, leaving Delhi Capitals short despite having wickets in hand.
Although the result did not go in Delhi’s favour, Nandani Sharma’s hat-trick and five-wicket haul stood out as one of the finest individual bowling performances in WPL history, marking the arrival of a promising new talent on the big stage.
