Defending tiny totals in the final over requires nerves of steel, precision, and a deep understanding of pressure situations. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has witnessed some of the most thrilling moments where matches were decided by just a handful of runs. The players on this list have demonstrated exceptional skill, composure, and match-winning strategies in defending the smallest totals. Here are the top 5 instances of Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL.
List of Top 5 Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL: Unbelievable Finishes
5. Asha Sobhana – 11 Runs Defended (RCB Women vs MI Women, Delhi, 2024)
Asha Sobhana showcased immense skill while defending 11 runs in the final over for RCB Women against MI Women in Delhi during the 2024 WPL season. The tension was high, with MI Women needing just a few boundaries to chase the target. Asha’s combination of accurate yorkers, slower balls, and tight line and length created panic among the batters. Her calmness under pressure allowed her to read each batter’s intentions and force mistakes at critical moments. This match is remembered as one of the most tactical defenses in WPL history.
Her ability to strategize field placements and execute each ball flawlessly helped RCB Women secure a narrow win. Asha’s performance is an excellent example of how mental strength and technical skill come together in high-pressure situations. Defending 11 runs in the final over not only changed the outcome of this match but also highlighted why Asha Sobhana is regarded as a clutch performer in the league. This moment is celebrated as one of the most memorable Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL.
| Player | Team | Opponent | Runs Defended | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asha Sobhana | RCB-W | MI-W | 11 | Delhi | 2024 |
4. Sophie Molineux – 10 Runs Defended (RCB Women vs UP Warriorz, Bengaluru, 2024)
Sophie Molineux’s 10-run defense in the final over for RCB Women against UP Warriorz at Bengaluru in 2024 is a classic display of composure and strategy. The batters were confident, but Sophie’s clever variations in pace, length, and targeting the stumps kept the pressure high. Each delivery was calculated, forcing risky shots and creating opportunities for wickets or run-outs. This performance stands out among Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL as an example of tactical brilliance.
The Bengaluru crowd witnessed a thrilling conclusion as Sophie maintained her cool and executed perfect bowling under extreme pressure. By combining mental toughness with excellent execution, she turned an almost certain loss into a memorable victory. Sophie’s performance demonstrated how understanding the game situation, anticipating batters’ moves, and delivering accurate balls in crunch moments are essential skills for defending small totals. This defense is widely celebrated in the league’s history.
| Player | Team | Opponent | Runs Defended | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sophie Molineux | RCB-W | UPW | 10 | Bengaluru | 2024 |
3. Grace Harris – 9 Runs Defended (UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals Women, Delhi, 2024)
Grace Harris played a pivotal role in defending 9 runs for UP Warriorz against Delhi Capitals Women in Delhi during the 2024 season. Every ball in the final over mattered, and Grace executed a near-perfect combination of yorkers and slower balls. Her tactical awareness and ability to anticipate the batter’s next move created immense pressure, forcing mis-hits and poor shot selections. This is a remarkable example of Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL, where skill and strategy combined to secure a thrilling win.
Grace’s calm demeanor and sharp cricketing instincts were key factors in her performance. She maintained the intensity from the start of the over and ensured that every delivery counted. Her field placements complemented her bowling perfectly, cutting off easy singles and stopping boundaries. Grace Harris’ 9-run defense continues to be remembered as a high-pressure, nail-biting finish that highlights the art of defending tiny totals in the WPL.
| Player | Team | Opponent | Runs Defended | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Harris | UPW | DC-W | 9 | Delhi | 2024 |
2. Sophie Devine – 8 Runs Defended (Gujarat Giants Women vs Delhi Capitals Women, Vadodara, 2026)
Sophie Devine’s brilliance shone once again when she defended 8 runs in the final over for Gujarat Giants Women against Delhi Capitals Women at Vadodara in 2026. Her ability to vary pace and length, combined with pinpoint accuracy, created immense pressure for the batters. Sophie’s tactical awareness and execution of perfect deliveries turned a tense situation into a spectacular victory. This performance is a classic example of Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL.
The batters struggled to find gaps and were forced into risky shots, giving Gujarat Giants Women the edge. Sophie’s calm temperament and intelligent field placements ensured that every ball mattered. Defending 8 runs in the final over underlines Sophie Devine’s exceptional cricketing acumen and her ability to remain composed in the most stressful moments. Her heroics in Vadodara are etched as one of the league’s most exciting finishes.
| Player | Team | Opponent | Runs Defended | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sophie Devine | GG-W | DC-W | 8 | Vadodara | 2026 |
1. Sophie Devine – 6 Runs Defended (Gujarat Giants Women vs Delhi Capitals Women, DY Patil, 2026)
At the top of the list is Sophie Devine’s incredible 6-run defense for Gujarat Giants Women against Delhi Capitals Women at DY Patil in 2026. Facing a challenging target in the final over, Sophie’s exceptional control, accuracy, and strategic thinking made the impossible possible. Her mastery over yorkers, slower balls, and field placements put immense pressure on the batters. This unforgettable moment is considered one of the finest examples of Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL.
Sophie’s composure under pressure allowed her to execute each delivery perfectly, forcing the opposition into mistakes. The match became a case study of tactical bowling, mental resilience, and high-pressure execution. Her 6-run defense has inspired countless young cricketers and remains a benchmark for what it takes to defend tiny totals in high-stakes WPL matches. This performance will always be remembered as the pinnacle of Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL.
| Player | Team | Opponent | Runs Defended | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sophie Devine | GG-W | DC-W | 6 | DY Patil | 2026 |
READ MORE:
- Top 5 Highest Scores from Number 6 or Lower in WPL: Powerful Records That Inspire
- Top 5 Fewest Win Margins in WPL History
FAQ
What makes defending a small total in the final over so challenging?
It requires nerves of steel, precise bowling, strategic field placements, and the ability to read the batter’s intentions under intense pressure.
Who holds the record for the Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL history?
Sophie Devine holds the record for defending just 6 runs for Gujarat Giants Women against Delhi Capitals Women in 2026. Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL
Can defending such small totals change a player’s reputation?
Yes, successful defenses in high-pressure situations establish players as clutch performers and team game-changers.
Are these performances common in WPL matches?
No, defending 6–11 runs in the final over is extremely rare and is considered a testament to a player’s skill and mental toughness.
Which teams benefited most from these final-over defenses?
Gujarat Giants Women, RCB Women, and UP Warriorz benefited from these epic defenses, Fewer Runs Successfully Defended in the Final Over in WPL, often turning near-defeats into thrilling victories.