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In the high-octane world of the , the final six deliveries often transform from a mere formality into a psychological battlefield. While T20 cricket is increasingly dominated by explosive power-hitters, the league has witnessed a handful of bowlers who have mastered the art of the death-over choke.
Defending a double-digit score is a challenge, but successfully guarding a single-digit target requires nerves of steel and tactical genius. From the inaugural seasons to the high-stakes thrillers of 2026, certain players have etched their names in WPL history by pulling off the unthinkable.
Top 5 final over defenses in WPL
- Sophie Devine (GG) vs DC – 6 Runs (2026)
In what is widely regarded as the most clinical display of death bowling in WPL history, Sophie Devine defended a meager 6 runs against the Delhi Capitals at the DY Patil Stadium in January 2026. After smashing a brilliant 95 with the bat, Devine took the ball with DC needing just a run-a-ball. Displaying veteran composure, she utilized deceptive slower balls to dismiss a set Laura Wolvaardt and , conceding only two runs and sealing a 4-run victory for the Gujarat Giants.
- Sophie Devine (GG) vs DC – 8 Runs (2026)
Proving that her previous heroics were no fluke, Devine repeated the feat just 16 days later in Vadodara. This time, she had 8 runs to play with. Facing a surging partnership between Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana, Devine leaned on her experience to dry up the boundaries. She trapped Rana LBW and forced a desperate Prasad into a mishit on the final ball, successfully defending the total and securing a 3-run win.
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- Grace Harris (UPW) vs DC – 9 Runs (2024)
The Arun Jaitley Stadium witnessed pure chaos in 2024 when Grace Harris was tasked with defending 9 runs. The over started disastrously as Radha Yadav smashed a six on the first ball, leaving DC needing just 3 runs from 5 balls. However, Harris, who hadn’t bowled a single over earlier in the match, orchestrated a miracle. She claimed two wickets and initiated a run-out in the next four balls, sensationally winning the game for UP Warriorz by a single run.
- Sophie Molineux (RCB) vs UPW – 10 Runs (2024)
During RCB’s opening game of the 2024 season in Bengaluru, the pressure was immense. Sophie Molineux stepped up to defend 10 runs against the dangerous Deepti Sharma. Despite Deepti finding the boundary on the fifth ball to keep the game alive, Molineux’s ability to cram the batter for space on the final delivery ensured RCB escaped with a 2-run win, setting the tone for their eventual championship run.
- Asha Sobhana (RCB) vs MI – 11 Runs (2024)
In the 2024 Eliminator, uncapped veteran Asha Sobhana faced the ultimate test: defending 11 runs against the defending champions, Mumbai Indians. Bowling her flighted leg-spin against and Pooja Vastrakar, Sobhana showed remarkable temperament. She conceded only six runs and dismissed Vastrakar, unleashing her iconic “Cristiano Ronaldo” celebration as RCB marched into their first-ever final.
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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.
