Harleen Deol Anchors Gujarat Giants' Stellar Chase

The Ekana Stadium in Lucknow witnessed pure nerve and flair as Harleen Deol hammered an unbeaten 70 to drive Gujarat Giants to their third straight win in the WPL 2025, a victory that instantly grabbed them an Eliminator berth. Chasing Delhi Capitals’ daunting 177 for 5, Gujarat were under pressure early on, but Deol refused to budge. Her calculated aggression not only kept the scoreboard moving but also allowed the side to pace the chase perfectly.

Delhi’s attack did make the Giants sweat. When openers walked back without a solid start, the pressure shifted onto Deol and Beth Mooney. Together, they stitched an 84-run stand that changed the entire complexion of the game. Mooney’s 44 wasn’t flashy but her stability complemented Deol’s measured yet powerful batting. Every calculated pull and nudged single chipped away at Delhi’s total, taking momentum away from the bowlers. With the score still climbing and required rate peaking, the duo held firm, making sure to keep wickets in hand for the late charge.

Late Fireworks and Coach’s Backing Elevate Gujarat

It was in the final stretch of the match, with expectations mounting, that the crowd saw the explosive side of Gujarat Giants. Ashleigh Gardner blazed away, smashing 22 off just 13 balls, while Deandra Dottin tore into Delhi’s death bowling with a rapid 24 from 10 deliveries. Their fearless hitting ensured Gujarat crossed the finish line with just three balls left—maintaining a rollercoaster tempo right up to their winning moment.

On the other side, Delhi Capitals could only reflect on what might have been. Meg Lanning, their captain, batted with absolute command for a superb 92 off 57 balls, peppering the boundary ropes with fifteen crisp hits and launching one six into the stands. Her innings shaped Delhi’s total and should have put them in the driver’s seat. But without enough support down the order, Lanning’s heroics ended up being overshadowed.

This win isn’t just another number for Gujarat Giants. Coach Michael Klinger didn’t hold back his appreciation for Deol, emphasizing how her versatility can no longer be ignored. Klinger has been vocal about Deol’s potential, and her rise as an adaptable middle-order rock combined with aggressive stroke play just refreshed her status as a prime T20I candidate for India. While she’s had rough patches before, Deol’s ability to finish games and keep her cool under pressure is becoming central to the Giants' plans. With Gujarat surging toward the knockout phases, there’s a growing chorus for Deol’s return to national reckoning—especially as India begins to shape its squad for bigger tournaments ahead.