Nandani Sharma Becomes First Indian Pacer With WPL Hat-Trick

Delhi Capitals’ young pacer Nandani Sharma etched her name into the history books on Sunday by becoming the first Indian fast bowler to take a hat-trick in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The 24-year-old achieved the rare feat during DC’s clash against Gujarat Giants in Navi Mumbai, delivering a sensational performance despite her team’s narrow defeat.

Nandani finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 33, producing one of the finest bowling spells of the season. With this achievement, she joined an elite list of WPL bowlers to have claimed a hat-trick, which includes Issy Wong, Grace Harris and Deepti Sharma.

The historic moment came in the 20th over of Gujarat’s innings when Nandani removed Kanika Ahuja, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Renuka Singh on three consecutive deliveries, triggering celebrations in the Delhi Capitals camp.

Who is Nandani Sharma?

Born in 2001, Nandani Sharma hails from Chandigarh and has steadily built a reputation as a promising pace bowler in India’s domestic circuit. She has represented Chandigarh in domestic tournaments and impressed selectors with consistent performances in inter-zonal matches while playing for the North Zone Women.

Her rise was rewarded when Delhi Capitals bought her for Rs 20 lakh in the WPL 2026 auction, a decision that now looks like a masterstroke.

What Nandani Said After the Match

Speaking after the game, Nandani credited captain Jemimah Rodrigues and opener Shafali Verma for constantly backing her and keeping her calm during pressure moments.

“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 also revealed that a mid-spell adjustment proved crucial.

“After my first over, I realised the batters were reading my stock ball well, so I decided to use my variations. Thankfully, it worked. My brother, mother and a close friend are here at the ground, while the rest of my family is watching from home. Their support means everything to me.”

Heroics Go in Vain for Delhi Capitals

Despite Nandani’s magical spell, Delhi Capitals couldn’t cross the finish line. Gujarat Giants pulled off a thrilling four-run victory, thanks to a stunning 95 from Sophie Devine and a nerveless final over under pressure.

The win marked Gujarat Giants’ second consecutive victory, while Delhi Capitals suffered their second loss of the season.

Even in defeat, the night firmly belonged to Nandani Sharma, whose performance announced her arrival on the biggest stage of women’s cricket.