Devine's role flexibility proves decisive for Gujarat Giants

At the WPL 2026 auction, Gujarat Giants secured Sophie Devine for INR 2 crore. The New Zealand T20 World Cup-winning captain has quickly justified the investment with her adaptability and match-winning contributions.

After a year away from the WPL and joining a new franchise, Devine has made an impact not just through runs but in how and when she scores them.

On the batting-friendly DY Patil Stadium pitch, opening the innings, Devine blasted 95 against Delhi Capitals, playing with aggressive freedom.

However, Vadodara’s slower, lower black-soil pitches demanded a different approach. After a four-ball duck in her first game there against RCB, Devine was moved down the order for the crucial match against UP Warriorz. Danni Wyatt-Hodge opened instead to provide early intent, breaking up the successful trans-Tasman opening pair to suit the conditions.

Batting at No. 5, Devine displayed patience and adaptability. She arrived at the crease at 65/2 in the 10th over. After a cautious start, she accelerated at the right moment. Despite contributing to Bharati Fulmali’s run-out, Devine took charge in the final overs.

In the last eight balls, she scored 21 runs. She anticipated Sophie Ecclestone’s wide yorkers, stepping outside off to hit a four. In the final over against Shikha Pandey, she exploited the bowler’s errors, hitting a six off a free-hit after a catch was dropped due to a no-ball. She then swept another six and scrambled two off the last ball, finishing unbeaten on 50 off 42 balls, pushing Gujarat to 153.

Her innings proved decisive, as UP Warriorz fell 45 runs short. UPW captain Meg Lanning later noted the pitch required a different scoring approach, indirectly acknowledging Devine’s effort.

Devine’s performance highlighted her veteran adaptability—changing batting positions, adjusting tempo, and learning quickly from previous mistakes.

Reflecting on her role, Devine said, “I’ve batted in all sorts of different positions, so it’s no biggie for me. Being able to slot in at number 5 is probably one of the bonuses of having played for so long—you adjust and adapt to the role the team needs.”