WPL 2026: Simple game plans key to Devine’s last-over heroics in Women’s Premier League

In Gujarat Giants’ run to the playoffs in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Sophie Devine’s impact has been profound.

Having spent two decades as a professional cricketer at the highest level, the 36-year-old has brought all her wisdom and know-how into play to help the franchise set up a clash with Delhi Capitals in Tuesday’s Eliminator.

Nowhere has Devine’s phlegmatic presence under pressure been more apparent this season than in the two previous meetings against the Capitals. In the first face-off in Navi Mumbai, the former New Zealand captain smashed a 42-ball 95 and then successfully defended seven runs off the final over. At the Kotambi Stadium in the second encounter, Devine came up with the defining act once again as she picked up four scalps and defended nine runs in the 20th over. She did so after conceding 23 runs in the 17th over. 

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“In that over, I thought I let Capitals back into the game. But it was just a case of being able to reflect really quickly. I knew I was probably a little bit complacent, especially early on in that over, and got punished,” Devine told Sportstar on Monday.

“To get the ball in the last over gives you a level of confidence knowing that the captain backs you to do a job. It comes down to experience. But it’s also going back to just really simple planning. I know people probably want an amazing answer, but it’s as basic as just a nice, simple game plan.”

As Devine acknowledges, her precise execution in such situations is a by-product of playing 159 ODIs and 146 T20Is for New Zealand since 2006. Has her outlook towards the game changed in all these years?

“I got a nice reminder from Happy Kumari the other day. She wanted to take a photo and said that I’m double her age. So, I’ve been playing international cricket nearly as long as she’s been alive,” Devine said of her longevity.

“The game has changed so much, and I guess my approach to it has changed as well. And that’s probably a reflection of the professionalism and the way that the women’s game has grown, particularly over the last five years. So, I’ve had to adapt and adjust, but also while keeping, I guess, my own style and approach to it.”

Although Devine retired from 50-over cricket at the end of last year’s ODI World Cup, her performances in the WPL in recent weeks are in no way indicative of age catching up. Like with most athletes who have been around for as long as she has, it boils down to enjoyment at this stage. 

“It’s not going to last for much longer, so it is just about enjoying whatever cricket I have left and about giving back a little bit as well, being able to share experiences with younger players, other overseas players,” Devine said with a look of contentment.

“I’ve just been so fortunate for the opportunities that I’ve had. I just want to give what I can back to the game that’s given me so much.”

Published on Feb 02, 2026