Dive into the WPL 2025 drama where Niki Prasad and Arundhati Reddy shine for DC in a nail-biting match against MI. Relive the unforgettable moments!
Introduction:
In a nail-biting match at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, Delhi Capitals won a heart-stopping two-wicket win over Mumbai Indians off the final ball, chasing a score of 165. The win, which was achieved on the same ground where 202 was chased with ease the previous day, showcased the unpredictability and thrill of T20 cricket.
See also: Richa Ghosh’s Blitz Leads RCB to Stunning WPL 2025 Triumph
Niki Prasad Shines on WPL Debut
Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Niki Prasad produced a commanding WPL debut, steering the innings with a level-headed 35 from 33 deliveries. She kept Delhi Capitals in the hunt through the nerve-jangling chase, even beginning the final over by dispatching one when ten runs were needed. Alas, she holed out when two off two was the equation, leaving the contest hanging in the balance.
Arundhati Reddy’s Last-Gasp Dive Wins the Game
With two required off the final ball, Arundhati Reddy’s vital dive to finish a second run ensured the win. It was centimeters close, with the third umpire ruling her not out, setting the Delhi Capitals camp into jubilation. This dramatic finish highlighted the high drama and competitive nature of the WPL. See also: Sciver-Brunt’s All-Round Show
Mumbai Indians Post a Competitive Score
Mumbai Indians scored 164 in total, courtesy of a sensational unbeaten 80 off 59 balls by Nat Sciver-Brunt and a scorching 42 off 22 by captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Their stand set the platform right, but then came a dramatic collapse as Mumbai lost seven wickets for only 35 runs, falling short of a more commanding total.
Sciver-Brunt’s Class and Kaur’s Aggression
Nat Sciver-Brunt showed her mettle and experience, steadying the innings with wise shot selection and accurate placement. Her gap-finding ability and keeping the scoreboard moving were vital for Mumbai. Harmanpreet Kaur was explosive in her batting, changing gears quickly with muscular sixes and creative shots. Her intent brought Mumbai to a fighting score, but her departure sparked the collapse.
Shafali Verma’s Powerplay Blitz
Delhi Capitals’ chase began with fireworks from Shafali Verma, who blasted 43 off just 18 balls. Her onslaught against Saika Ishaque, which included four consecutive boundaries and a towering six, propelled Delhi to 60 runs in the powerplay. However, her dismissal led to a middle-order collapse, as DC lost four wickets for just 16 runs, putting the chase in jeopardy. See also: Ashleigh Gardner’s Blazing Fifty Guides Gujarat Giants
MI’s Bowling Comeback
Mumbai Indians rebounded hard with tight bowling and alert fielding. Shabnim Ismail dished out a hot spell that unsettled Meg Lanning and sent her packing with a brilliant outswinger. Amelia Kerr and Nat Sciver-Brunt slammed the screws shut, snapping major wickets that turned the tide in favor of Mumbai.
Controversial Umpiring Decisions
The match saw three key run-out decisions go to the third umpire, Gayathri Venugopalan, and all three favored Delhi Capitals. The first was about Shikha Pandey, who was given not out when replays indicated that her bat had just touched the crease line when the bails were dislodged. The second was about Radha Yadav, whose bat flew off the ground as if airborne when the stumps were destroyed. However, the third umpire declared her safe, and she struck a vital six off the subsequent ball.
The most heart-stopping of the three was the last-ball call, where Arundhati Reddy’s attempt to cross for the winning run was millimeters short. The verdict to call her not out was greeted with ecstatic celebrations in Delhi but with controversy among fans and pundits.
Prasad and Bryce Stabilize the Chase
Following the early collapse, the alliance between Niki Prasad and Alice Capsey brought Delhi back into contention. They contributed 33 runs before Capsey was out. Another debutante, Sarah Bryce, scored a cameo of 21 off 10 balls, keeping Delhi in contention. She attacked Saika Ishaque with attacking shots, including a six and a lucky edge for four, but got out at a critical time, leaving the game in Prasad’s hands.
Shikha Pandey’s Bowling Brilliance
Earlier in the match, Shikha Pandey delivered a masterclass in swing bowling. Her inswingers troubled both right and left-handed batters, leading to early breakthroughs. She dismissed Hayley Matthews for a duck and knocked over Yastika Bhatia’s leg stump in a miserly spell of 3-0-8-2. Her accuracy and control set the tone for Delhi’s disciplined bowling effort.
MI’s Collapse After Strong Start
Despite a strong start, Mumbai Indians faltered due to a dramatic batting collapse. After reaching 129 for 3, they lost seven wickets for 35 runs. DC’s bowlers maintained pressure, leading to a series of run-outs and poor shot selections from Mumbai’s lower order. Sciver-Brunt remained stranded on 80 as her teammates failed to support her at the death.
Key Turning Points
Shafali Verma’s Powerplay Assault: Her 22-run over against Ishaque gave DC a blazing start.
Middle-Order Collapse: Delhi’s four-wicket slump made the chase challenging.
Prasad and Bryce’s Contributions: Their stabilizing knocks kept DC in the game.
Controversial Run-Out Decisions: Three crucial calls in favor of Delhi swung the momentum.
Reddy’s Last-Ball Dive: A dramatic finish with a dive that sealed the victory.
What Lies Ahead
This heart-stopping win provides Delhi Capitals an early boost in WPL 2025. Their attacking strategy upfront and gritty middle-order performances make them a dangerous team. Mumbai Indians, even after losing, displayed their depth and strength, particularly in the form of Sciver-Brunt and Kaur. They must, however, work on middle-order weaknesses to turn encouraging beginnings into winning scores.
