Cricket expert Saba Karim, Anjum Chopra and Katey Martin shared their thoughts on Sophie Devine’s calm under pressure, the rise of young Indian pacer, and the improving standard and competitiveness of the WPL.
Published: January 12, 2026 1:35 PM IST
Saba Karin on Sophie Devine’s composure and execution
Saba Karim showered praise on Sophie Devine’s composure and execution for guiding Gujarat Giants to a dramatic victory. “Hats off to Sophie Devine for keeping her nerve in the final over of the match. She bowled the perfect deliveries to batters like Jemimah Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt. That comes from her experience and the confidence from her own batting.”Add India.com as a Preferred Source
“Defending just seven runs under that pressure was huge. Delhi Capitals lost both Rodrigues and Wolvaardt in that over, which was the game’s turning point. For her to give away almost no runs was incredible. It was a thrilling match. Congratulations to Gujarat Giants. Seeing such close games so early shows this WPL season has a lot in store. Sophie Devine was outstanding. Credit to Captain Ashleigh Gardner for trusting her with the last over, knowing her slower balls and accuracy would be perfect, which they were.”
Saba Karim praised Nandini Sharma’s impressive spell
Talking about Nandini Sharma and her impressive spell, the experts highlighted her impact with the ball and the role it played in keeping the contest alive. “What I really admired about Nandni Sharma’s impressive display is how she controlled her nerves, especially in the last over of the first innings. Even before that, getting Sophie Devine out with a slower ball showed her confidence. To bowl that to an experienced batter proves her belief in her skills. It is because of her that Delhi Capitals stayed in the game, as she gave away hardly any runs in that over and even took a hat-trick. I am really glad to see India’s pace bowling pool expanding. This is very good for Indian cricket.” We talk about power hitters, but we also need a larger group of pace bowlers for the international level. It is great to see someone like Nandni Sharma stepping up at the right time for Delhi Capitals.”Anjum Chopra pointed to the growing depth of Indian talent
Anjum Chopra pointed to the growing depth of Indian talent and increased fan involvement as strong indicators of the league’s steady growth. “The fan support in season four of the WPL has been brilliant. The fact that Indian talent is stepping up is a massive plus for every team. The moment Indian players start delivering, like Anushka Sharma did for the Gujarat Giants. Her fielding effort was so important, even though it was a no-ball, because it saved a certain six. The cricket standard and the entertainment value of women’s cricket in India have both gone up. That is what you want from the WPL. It is heartening to see such talent and close contests already in just the fourth season.” Anjum Chopra also spoke about Nandni Sharma’s outstanding five-wicket haul and the backing she received from the Delhi Capitals think tank, “Nandni Sharma bowled brilliantly, taking five wickets in just the second match of her WPL career, representing the Delhi Capitals. The way she bowled was impressive, especially delivering a bouncer to a set Sophie Devine batting at a score of 95. Then, to bowl that crucial last over shows the confidence captain Jemimah Rodrigues and the team have in her. That confidence comes from domestic cricket, performing in the nets, bonding with the team on the bus and in practice. All these things make a player comfortable, and the result is clear for everyone to see.”Katey Martin underlined Sophie Devine’s match-winning influence
Katey Martin underlined Sophie Devine’s match-winning influence, praising her all-round performance with both bat and ball. “Sophie Devine was outstanding. She set the tone and stayed true to her style. Her sweep shots against spin, especially left-arm bowlers, were great. She batted superbly, getting to 95 before a brilliant catch by Shree Charani dismissed her. She was also clutch with the ball in the final over.” “The plan was to take the game deep, making the batters face the pressure of the seven runs required in the final over. Taking wickets there was key, as each wicket created dot balls and tightened the game. It was a clutch performance, and I hope she keeps this form up.”Source link
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