The fourth match of the tournament on Sunday, January 11, 2026, produced one of the closest contests so far as Gujarat Giants Women held their nerve to defeat Delhi Capitals Women by four runs at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Played under lights on a flat surface, the match was defined by aggressive batting, calculated bowling changes, and a dramatic final over.
Gujarat Giants Women won the toss and chose to bat first, backing their batting depth on a pitch that had consistently favored stroke play. The responsibility of setting the tempo was placed on the top order, whose brief was to attack early while preserving wickets. The opening phase saw confident boundary-hitting combined with sharp running, forcing Delhi Capitals Women to adjust their fields quickly during the powerplay.
As the innings moved into the middle overs, Gujarat’s middle order took charge of consolidation and acceleration. Batters assigned the role of anchoring ensured momentum did not stall, while designated aggressors targeted spinners and change bowlers. Partnerships were built through a mix of placement and power, keeping the run rate above par throughout. The final overs were entrusted to Gujarat’s finishing unit, whose task was to convert a strong platform into a challenging total. Despite wickets falling late, Gujarat Giants Women completed their innings at 209 for 9 in 20 overs, one of the highest scores of the early tournament.
Delhi Capitals Women’s bowling duties were clearly structured. New-ball bowlers focused on discipline and swing, while spinners were introduced to disrupt rhythm and slow scoring during the middle overs. Although they claimed wickets at regular intervals, lapses in execution during the death overs allowed Gujarat to push past the 200 mark. Fielding efforts were energetic, but a few misfields proved costly in a high-scoring encounter.
Chasing 210, Delhi Capitals Women began with urgency, understanding that the required rate demanded a strong start. Their top order responded positively, finding boundaries early and keeping the chase on track through the powerplay. The responsibility of maintaining balance fell to the middle order, who combined composure with controlled aggression to prevent the asking rate from escalating.
Gujarat Giants Women’s bowling plan centered on timely breakthroughs. Bowlers were assigned specific phases: containing runs in the middle overs and executing defensive plans at the death. Slower balls, changes of pace, and well-set fields were employed to test Delhi’s batters. Despite this, Delhi continued to chip away at the target, ensuring the contest remained alive deep into the innings.
The final five overs became the defining phase. Delhi Capitals Women required steady boundary options, while Gujarat needed precision under pressure. Fielding responsibilities intensified, with boundary riders positioned strategically and inner-circle fielders tasked with cutting off singles. Gujarat’s bowlers stuck to their plans, conceding minimal extras and forcing batters to take risks.
In the final over, Delhi needed a manageable number, but disciplined bowling and alert fielding tilted the balance. A combination of accurate deliveries and well-judged field placements ensured Gujarat Giants Women restricted Delhi Capitals Women to 205 for 5 in 20 overs, sealing a four-run victory in a tense finish.
Match officials ensured smooth conduct throughout, while team support staff from both sides—coaches, analysts, and medical teams—played key roles in preparation and in-game decision-making. The win gave Gujarat Giants Women valuable momentum, highlighting their ability to defend totals under pressure. For Delhi Capitals Women, the narrow defeat underscored their batting depth and resilience, marking this match as one of the most competitive encounters of the tournament’s opening phase.