In a high-octane world Women’s Premier League (WPL)the last six deliveries often turn from a mere formality into a psychological battleground. While T20 cricket has increasingly been dominated by explosive power hitters, the league has witnessed a handful of bowlers who have mastered the art of the death choke.
Protecting a double-digit score is a tough task, but successfully protecting a single-digit target requires nerves of steel and tactical genius. From the early seasons to the high-stakes thrillers of 2026, some players have etched their names in WPL history by pulling off the unthinkable.
Top 5 finals on defense in the 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 In January 2026, he defended for a paltry 6 runs against Delhi Capitals at the DY Patil Stadium. After smashing a brilliant 95 with the bat, Devine took over with the DC. Showing his composure, the veteran used deceptively slow balls to drop the set Laura Volwardt and Rodrogueconceding only two runs and securing a 4 run victory Giants of Gujarat.
- Sophie Devine (GG) vs DC – 8 Runs (2026)
Proving that his previous heroics were no fluke, Devine repeated the feat just 16 days later in Vadodara. This time he had 8 runs to play for. faces a rising partnership between Niki Prasad and Sneh RanaDevine drew on his experience to dry the boundaries. He trapped Rana LBW and forced a desperate Prasad to bat on the last ball, successfully defending the total and securing a 3-run victory.
- Grace Harris (UPW) vs DC – 9 runs (2024)
Arun Jaitley Stadium witnessed chaos in 2024 Grace Harris Was tasked to defend 9 runs. It started tragically Radha Yadav He hit a six in the first ball which required DC just 3 runs from 5 balls. However, Harris, who had never bowled a single before in the match, produced a miracle. He took two wickets and started the run in the next four balls to win the game in sensational fashion. UP Warriors by a single run.
- Sophie Molineux (RCB) vs UPW – 10 Runs (2024)
The pressure was on during RCB’s opening game of the 2024 season in Bengaluru. Sophie Molineux Stepped up to defend 10 runs against dangerous Deepti Sharma. Despite Deepti finding a boundary in the fifth ball to keep the game alive, Molineux’s ability to catch a slant in the final delivery ensured RCB escaped with a 2-run win and set the tone for the final title race.
- Asha Sobhana (RCB) vs MI – 11 Runs (2024)
In 2024 Eliminator, the uncapped veteran Asha Sobhana faced the ultimate test: an 11-run defense against the defending champs, Mumbai Indians. Spin his flying leg bowling Amelia Kerr and Pooja VastrakarSobhana displayed remarkable character. He conceded just six runs and brought out his icon by dismissing Vastrakar.Cristiano Ronaldo” RCB celebrated as they reached the final for the first time.
Also READ: WPL 2026: Historic hundred by Nat Sciver-Brunt leads Mumbai Indians to victory against RCB
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
