Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has witnessed one of the most meteoric rises in cricket history. On a balmy Sunday night at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, an uncapped Indian pacer turned the league on its head. Nandini Sharma, playing only her second professional match in the tournament, delivered a spell for the ages, etching her name in record books by claiming a historic hat-trick and a five-wicket haul against the Gujarat Giants.
While the high-scoring thriller saw the Gujarat Giants edge out Delhi Capitals by a narrow 4-run margin, the headlines belonged to the 24-year-old seamer who single-handedly dismantled a formidable batting line-up in a single over of madness.
Who is Nandini Sharma?
Nandini Sharma (Image source: X)
Nandini is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who has quickly become the new sensation for the Delhi Capitals. Born on September 20, 2001, in Chandigarh, she represents the growing depth of talent in Indian domestic cricket. Standing as a symbol of perseverance, she is known for her ability to generate significant bounce and extract movement even on unresponsive tracks.
Before her explosive arrival on the WPL stage, Nandini was a consistent performer in the domestic circuit. Her ability to bowl at different phases of the game made her a scout’s favorite. Today, she is recognized as the first Delhi Capitals bowler to take a hat-trick in WPL history and the first player in the league to achieve a five-wicket haul and a hat-trick in the same match.
Early life and the road to WPL
Nandini Sharma (Image source: X)
Nandini’s journey began in the cricket-loving streets of Chandigarh. Growing up in a household that cherished the sport, she started playing at a local club at the age of 10. Her discipline and natural athletic ability soon saw her rise through the ranks, representing Chandigarh Women and eventually the North Zone team in inter-zonal competitions.
Nandini Sharma (Image source: X)
Her path wasn’t without hurdles. Interestingly, she had previously attended trials for the Gujarat Giants during WPL Season 2 but failed to secure a contract. Rather than being discouraged, she returned to the domestic grind, captaining the Chandigarh senior team in 2025 and making a strong impression at the NCA Emerging Camp in Bengaluru. This resilience ultimately paid off when she caught the eyes of the Delhi Capitals’ think tank.
WPL 2026 Auction signing and onfield-performance
Nandini Sharma (Image source: X)
The 2026 WPL Auction proved to be the turning point for the Chandigarh pacer. Delhi Capitals acquired Nandini for her base price of INR 20 Lakh. While she was one of the lower-priced acquisitions in a star-studded squad featuring legends like Marizanne Kapp, her value on the field has already far exceeded her price tag.
Nandini made her debut in the season opener against Mumbai Indians, where she showed glimpses of her potential by dismissing Nicola Carey and G. Kamalini, finishing with figures of 2/26. However, it was her second outing against Gujarat Giants that cemented her status as a superstar. In just two matches, she has already surged to the top of the wickets tally, currently contending for the Purple Cap with 7 wickets in her bag.
Historic hat-trick against Gujarat Giants
Nandini Sharma (Image source: X)
The defining moment of the WPL 2026 season so far occurred in the 20th over of the Gujarat Giants’ innings. The Giants were cruising toward a massive total, powered by Sophie Devine’s blistering 95. Nandini, who had earlier taken the crucial wicket of Devine, was entrusted with the final over by captain Jemimah Rodrigues.
What followed was pure cricketing theater. After a couple of quiet balls, Nandini unleashed a masterclass in death bowling:
- Third Ball: She dismissed Kashvee Gautam to start the collapse.
- Fourth Ball: A clever slower ball deceived Kanika Ahuja, who was stumped while attempting a big hit.
- Fifth Ball (Hat-trick): She cleaned up Rajeshwari Gayakwad with a delivery that shattered the middle stump.
- Sixth Ball: For good measure, she trapped Renuka Singh Thakur LBW, completing a rare “four wickets in five balls” sequence.
She finished with breathtaking figures of 5/33, making her only the fourth bowler in WPL history to claim a hat-trick, joining the elite company of Issy Wong, Deepti Sharma, and Grace Harris.
Also WATCH: Nandini Sharma takes a sensational hat-trick in WPL 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
