The Mumbai Indians triumphantly win their second WPL 2025 trophy! Dive into the match recap, player achievements, and the significance of this victory for the franchise.
Introduction:
Mumbai Indians (MI) have once again etched their name in Women’s Premier League (WPL) history, winning their second title in three seasons. In a gripping final at the Brabourne Stadium, MI successfully defended 149 for 7, securing a hard-fought eight-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC). For DC, it was heartbreak yet again as they finished as runners-up for the third consecutive season.
Harmanpreet and Sciver-Brunt Anchor Mumbai Indians’ Innings
MI found themselves in early trouble after opting to bat first. The team struggled at 14 for 2 when captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt took charge. Sciver-Brunt, who became the first batter to cross 1000 WPL runs, played a steady hand, while Harmanpreet showcased her signature aggressive style.
Their 89-run partnership revived MI’s innings, shifting momentum in their favor. Harmanpreet was in sublime touch, smashing a 36-ball half-century, her first 300-run season in the WPL. While wickets tumbled in the latter stages, a late push ensured MI reached a respectable total of 149.
Delhi Capitals’ Chase Stumbles Early
DC’s reply was immediately derailed as MI’s bowlers struck early. Sciver-Brunt clean-bowled Meg Lanning, celebrating exuberantly. Shabnim Ismail followed suit, trapping DC’s top scorer, Shafali Verma. Amelia Kerr and Saika Ishaque compounded DC’s misery, reducing them to 44 for 4. See also: Crafting the Ultimate WPL 2024 Dream Team: Unraveling the Legends
Jemimah Rodrigues showed some resistance, but when she fell at 66 for 5, it seemed all but over for DC. The team slumped further to 83 for 6 following Sarah Bryce’s run-out. At that stage, it looked like an inevitable defeat for DC.
Kapp’s Fightback Keeps DC in the Hunt
Marizanne Kapp, however, had other ideas. Determined to make her mark, she played a counterattacking knock, smashing 40 runs off 26 balls. Her partnership with Niki Prasad (40 off 29 balls) gave DC a glimmer of hope.
Kapp’s explosive batting brought the equation down to 23 off 12 balls. Prasad added to the drama by launching a six off Hayley Matthews, further reducing the target to 14 off the final over. However, with Sciver-Brunt returning to bowl the last over, MI held their nerve.
Sciver-Brunt Seals the Deal
Just as Kapp was beginning to turn the game, she miscued a shot straight to Matthews at long-off, handing MI a massive breakthrough. The Brabourne crowd erupted as Sciver-Brunt’s name was chanted throughout the stadium. The last over saw MI execute perfect death bowling, limiting DC to 141, securing an eight-run victory.
Nat Sciver-Brunt’s Impact in WPL 2025
Nat Sciver-Brunt was once again the backbone of the Mumbai Indians’ success in WPL 2025. Becoming the first batter to surpass 1000 WPL runs, she showcased her class with both the bat and ball. In the final, her crucial partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur rescued MI from early trouble, while her composed last-over bowling sealed the victory. Sciver-Brunt’s allround brilliance made her an indispensable asset, reinforcing her reputation as one of the finest players in women’s T20 cricket.
Key Bowling Contributions
MI’s bowlers were instrumental in their title-winning performance. Sciver-Brunt, alongside Ismail, Kerr, and Ishaque, dismantled DC’s top order. Their disciplined effort ensured that MI defended a total under 150, something achieved only four times in WPL history – three of those against DC.
Harmanpreet’s Leadership Shines Again
Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy was once again on full display. She managed the team’s innings brilliantly and rotated her bowlers effectively. Her aggressive intent with the bat played a pivotal role in ensuring MI had enough on the board to defend.
A Familiar Outcome for Delhi Capitals
For DC, this defeat was particularly bitter. Having now finished as runners-up three seasons in a row, the pain of falling short once again was evident. Lanning’s blank expression at the post-match ceremony summed up the disappointment. Despite their valiant effort, the elusive WPL trophy remains out of reach.
The Road Ahead
As the Mumbai Indians celebrate their triumph, the Delhi Capitals will have to go back to the drawing board. With three final appearances but no titles to show, DC will be eager to break their jinx next season. Meanwhile, MI has firmly established itself as the dominant force in the WPL.