Nandani Sharma: In a high-scoring WPL 2026 encounter where Gujarat Giants’ Sophie Devine stole the show with a blistering 95 off 42 balls, Delhi Capitals pacer Nandani Sharma carved out her own slice of history. The 24-year-old became only the second Indian woman cricketer to claim both a five-wicket haul and a hat-trick in the Women’s Premier League.
Historic Hat-Trick in Final Over
During Match 4 of WPL 2026, Nandani Sharma etched her name in the record books by becoming the first Indian pacer to take a hat-trick in the tournament. The memorable moment came in the final over of Gujarat’s innings when she dismissed Kanika Ahuja, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Renuka Singh Thakur in consecutive deliveries.
Following in the footsteps of Deepti Sharma, who was the first Indian to achieve this feat, Nandani finished with exceptional figures of 5 for 33, proving that even in a batting-dominated contest, quality bowling can shine through.
Who is Nandani Sharma?
The young pacer from Chandigarh has steadily climbed the ladder of women’s cricket in India. Delhi Capitals secured her services during the WPL auction for Rs 20 lakh, a decision that has already started paying dividends.
Nandani first caught national attention during the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025, where she showcased her all-round abilities. Not only did she pick up crucial wickets with the ball, but she also contributed valuable runs in the death overs, demonstrating her composure under pressure.
Captain Jemimah’s Role in Success
After achieving the historic hat-trick, an elated Nandani was quick to credit her captain Jemimah Rodrigues and teammate Shafali Verma for their constant support and guidance.
“I was just focused on bowling at my target. Shafali and Jemimah were talking to me before every ball, and the plan was simple—to attack the stumps. I didn’t expect a hat-trick, but the team kept telling me that wickets would come,” Nandani revealed in the post-match interview.
Adapting Her Strategy Mid-Match
What stood out about Nandani’s performance was her ability to read the game and adjust accordingly. The Chandigarh-born pacer explained how she modified her approach after analyzing the batters’ response.
“After my first over, I realised the batters were picking my stock ball well, so I decided to use my variations, and thankfully it worked,” she said, highlighting the tactical acumen that separates good bowlers from great ones.
Family Support Makes It Special
Making the achievement even more memorable was the presence of her loved ones. “My brother, mother and a close friend are here at the ground, while the rest of my family is watching from home. They have all been incredibly supportive,” the 24-year-old added, her emotions evident.
Having family members witness such a career-defining moment firsthand made the hat-trick even sweeter for the young pacer.
WPL 2026: A Platform for Rising Stars
Nandani Sharma’s performance is yet another example of how the Women’s Premier League continues to provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on the big stage. Despite Sophie Devine’s pyrotechnics with the bat, Nandani managed to steal significant headlines with her match-turning spell.
Her achievement also highlights the growing depth in Indian women’s pace bowling, an area that has traditionally been dominated by spinners.
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Key Highlights
- Nandani Sharma became the second Indian woman to take a WPL hat-trick
- First Indian pacer to achieve this feat in WPL
- Finished with career-best figures of 5/33
- Hails from Chandigarh and was bought by DC for Rs 20 lakh
- Rose to prominence during Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025
- Credits captain Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma for guidance
What’s Next for Nandani?
With this breakthrough performance, Nandani Sharma has announced her arrival on the big stage. Her ability to bowl wicket-taking deliveries under pressure, combined with her willingness to adapt and learn, suggests a bright future ahead.
As WPL 2026 progresses, cricket fans will be keenly watching whether this is just the beginning of many more memorable performances from the talented Chandigarh pacer. For Delhi Capitals, discovering a genuine wicket-taking option in the pace department could prove crucial in their campaign.
Nandani Sharma’s historic hat-trick serves as an inspiration for young pacers across the country, proving that with the right mindset, support, and execution, dreams can indeed become reality on cricket’s biggest stages.
Team Cricket Duniyar writes on cricket and sports, providing timely updates, match previews, reviews, and trending stories from the world of sports.
