The roar of the crowd, the tension almost palpable enough to cut through with a knife, and the familiar sight of Delhi Capitals needing a handful of runs off the final over of a major final. For fans of the Delhi franchise, it’s a scenario etched into memory, often ending in despair. And once again, at the grandest stage, history cruelly repeated itself as the indomitable Devine, representing the Bangalore Challengers, delivered a masterclass in nerve and skill, snatching victory from the jaws of a Delhi triumph.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) final was poised on a razor’s edge. Chasing a competitive 172, Delhi Capitals had mounted a valiant effort, thanks to a fiery fifty from captain Meg Lanning and crucial contributions in the middle order. As the final over began, DC required a mere 9 runs with two wickets in hand – a chaseable target for any side with settled batters at the crease. But facing them was Devine, the very player who had famously denied them in a league stage encounter just weeks prior, defending 10 runs with incredible composure. The deja vu was unsettlingly real.
The Echo of Deja Vu: Another Final Over Heartbreak
The atmosphere at the Brabourne Stadium was electric, thick with anticipation and dread for Delhi supporters. Having come so close to silverware in previous tournaments, this felt like their moment. The scoreboard read 163 for 8 after 19 overs. Devine, ball in hand, walked to her mark, a picture of calm amidst the storm. Her first ball, a full delivery outside off, was missed by Radha Yadav, a crucial dot. The pressure ratcheted up further. The second, a slower ball, saw Radha connect, but only for a single towards deep mid-wicket, bringing Arundhati Reddy, a known big-hitter, on strike. 8 needed off 4 balls.
What followed was a display of calculated brilliance. Devine, known for her pace and variations, opted for intelligence over raw power. Her third delivery was a well-disguised yorker that Arundhati struggled to get under, only managing a desperate scramble for a leg-bye. The umpire signaled a run, but the ball was thrown to the keeper who dislodged the bails. The run was complete, but it brought Radha Yadav back on strike. 7 needed off 3. The equation was getting tighter.
The fourth ball was the turning point. Devine speared in a quick, full delivery on the stumps, trapping Radha Yadav plumb in front. The umpire’s finger went up immediately, triggering a collective gasp from the crowd. Wicket! Delhi Capitals were 165 for 9, needing 7 off 2 with their last batter, Shikha Pandey, walking in. The momentum had decisively swung towards Bangalore Challengers.
Devine’s Masterclass: Nerves of Steel Under Pressure
With the weight of the final on her shoulders, Devine showed no signs of faltering. Her reputation for delivering under pressure was being cemented with every precise delivery. The penultimate ball of the match was a wide yorker, forcing Shikha Pandey to reach for it, resulting in a single towards cover. It was a smart play, preventing a boundary but also not conceding a dot ball. Six runs needed off the final ball. It was a near-impossible task for the new batter.
Devine ran in for the final delivery, her action smooth and unhurried. She unleashed another perfectly executed yorker, right at the base of off-stump. Shikha Pandey could only dig it out for a single. The match was over. Bangalore Challengers had won by 4 runs, and Devine had, for the second time this season, single-handedly denied Delhi Capitals a victory in the very last over.
The jubilant Bangalore Challengers players mobbed Devine, their celebrations echoing through the stadium. For Delhi Capitals, it was a familiar, bitter pill to swallow. Captain Meg Lanning, gracious in defeat, reflected on the outcome. “We fought hard, but Devine was just exceptional today. It’s tough to lose like this, especially after getting so close again. We just couldn’t find that one extra boundary when it mattered. She bowled with immense courage.”
The Legend Grows: An Unforgettable Performance
Devine’s performance wasn’t just about the final over; her contributions throughout the tournament had been pivotal, but it was these two clutch final-over displays against Delhi Capitals that truly stood out. She finished with figures of 2 for 28 from her four overs in the final, proving to be the difference-maker. Her ability to hold her nerve and execute complex bowling plans under the most intense pressure makes her an invaluable asset and a true legend in the making. For Delhi Capitals, this repeated heartbreak will undoubtedly fuel their hunger for next season, but for now, the ghost of Devine’s final over will continue to haunt their championship dreams.
The WPL had delivered another thrilling encounter, showcasing the incredible talent and drama that cricket consistently offers. And at its heart, a player named Devine etched her name into the annals of clutch performances, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament’s history.
