Delhi Capitals’ Nandani Sharma Takes Five Wickets Including First-Ever Indian Pacer Hat-Trick

Delhi Capitals pacer Nandani Sharma etched her name into Women's Premier League (WPL) history on Sunday, January 11, 2026, by becoming the first Indian fast bowler to claim a hat-trick in the tournament. The 24-year-old delivered a match-turning performance during the clash against Gujarat Giants at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 33, including a dramatic hat-trick in the final over.

Nandani achieved the feat in the 20th over of Gujarat Giants' innings, dismissing Kanika Ahuja, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Renuka Singh Thakur in successive deliveries to complete her five-wicket haul. Her historic achievement places her in elite company alongside previous WPL hat-trick takers Issy Wong (Mumbai Indians), Grace Harris, and Deepti Sharma (both UP Warriorz), but marks her as the first Indian pacer to accomplish the milestone in the league's short history.

Hailing from Chandigarh, Nandani has established herself as a promising talent in domestic women's cricket. Born in 2001, she has represented Chandigarh in various domestic competitions and impressed in inter-zonal fixtures as part of the North Zone Women team. Her consistent performances in T20 cricket earned her a spot in the Delhi Capitals squad, where she was acquired for ₹20 lakh during the WPL 2026 auction.

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Reflecting on her landmark spell after the match, Nandani credited her captain, Jemimah Rodrigues, and teammate, Shafali Verma, for their constant encouragement and tactical 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,” she said. She added that adjusting her line and length after the first over and introducing variations proved decisive in turning the game in her favor.

Despite Nandani's heroics, Delhi Capitals could not defend the total as Gujarat Giants chased down the runs in a thrilling finish, powered by Sophie Devine's explosive 95 and her composed final-over bowling. The defeat marked Delhi Capitals' second consecutive loss of the season, while Gujarat Giants registered their second straight victory.

Nandani's performance, witnessed by her brother, mother, and a close friend at the venue—with the rest of her family watching from home—underscored her growing reputation as a clutch performer. As the WPL 2026 season progresses, her historic hat-trick is expected to inspire young pacers across India and cement her place as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.

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