NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians (MI) triumphed in a gripping Women’s Premier League 2025 final, defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) by a narrow margin of 8 runs at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. MI etched their name in history as the first team to win the WPL title twice.
Batting first, MI faced early setbacks, losing openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews cheaply. However, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur anchored the innings with a resilient 66, supported by Nat Sciver-Brunt‘s crucial 30. Their partnership steadied the ship, pushing MI to a defendable total of 149/7 in 20 overs. DC’s bowlers, led by Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen, kept the pressure on, claiming key wickets at regular intervals.
In response, DC’s chase faltered early as openers Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma were dismissed cheaply. Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp attempted to rebuild, but MI’s bowlers, particularly Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews, proved too formidable. Kerr’s spell of 2/25, including the crucial wickets of Jonassen and Rodrigues, stifled DC’s momentum. Despite a late surge by Kapp and Niki Prasad, DC fell short, managing only 141/9 in their 20 overs.
This victory marked MI’s second WPL title, following their inaugural win in 2023. Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and Amelia Kerr’s all-round brilliance were pivotal in their success. Kerr, who also claimed the Purple Cap for most wickets in the tournament, showcased her dominance with both bat and ball throughout the season.
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Post-Match Reactions:
Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her delight at the team’s triumph, emphasizing the collective effort that led to their success. “It was a great team effort. Everyone contributed whenever required, and we kept things simple. This win means a lot to us,” she said during the post-match presentation. Kaur also highlighted the importance of her partnership with Nat Sciver-Brunt, which laid the foundation for MI’s total.
Amelia Kerr, reflecting on her performance, said, “Being an all-rounder is the best way to play cricket. Itโs a lot more fun as a player, and Iโm just happy we got the win”. Her consistent performances throughout the tournament have cemented her reputation as one of the finest players in women’s cricket.
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Additional Highlights:
Nat Sciver-Brunt finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 493 runs at an average of 70.42.
Hayley Matthews emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps, closely followed by Amelia Kerr with 16.
Delhi Capitals’ Shafali Verma impressed with 300 runs in the tournament, but her early dismissal in the final proved costly.
For DC, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, marking their third consecutive defeat in a WPL final. Despite topping the points table in the league stage, their inability to perform under pressure in the finals remains a concern. Skipper Meg Lanning acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We needed one partnership to get across the line. It’s frustrating, but that’s cricket”.
The WPL 2025 final not only highlighted the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket but also underscored the importance of team effort and resilience. MI’s triumph is a testament to their depth and determination, setting a benchmark for future seasons.
