Delhi Capitals showcased exceptional dominance during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, delivering a stellar bowling performance to restrict Mumbai Indians to just 123 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on February 28, 2025. With key contributions from Jess Jonassen and Minnu Mani, who both claimed three wickets, the Capitals set themselves up for what appears to be their most impressive performance yet.
The Mumbai Indians initially appeared confident, with their openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews combining effectively to anchor the innings. They managed to forge a respectable 35-run partnership within just 5.3 overs. Yastika scored 11 runs before being dismissed by Shikha Pandey, who caught her behind the stumps, marking the first breakthrough for the Capitals. Hayley Matthews soon followed, miscuing her shot and falling to Annabel Sutherland for 22. Despite the early promise, momentum for MI shifted before they could capitalize on their start.
Jonassen, who had been persistent and clever with her tactics, struck when it mattered most, dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was in good form, for 18, alongside MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who had contributed 22 runs. Both were taken out within mere overs, which effectively derailed Mumbai's chances at building partnerships, leaving them struggling at 93 for 4 by the 15th over.
With the dismissal of these key players, the pressure mounted on the Mumbai side to recover and push their score past the 120-run mark. Jonassen’s bowling figures read 3 for 25 from her four overs, reflecting her pivotal role. She consistently targeted the stumps and effectively exploited the weaknesses of the Mumbai batsmen. Meanwhile, Minnu Mani proved to be equally adept, with figures of 3 for 17, taking out G Kamalini and contributing to the crumbling MI order.
Mumbai continued to falter as they struggled to form any substantial partnerships. The tight lines bowled by Delhi Capitals made it difficult for the batsmen to settle. Siddhika Mani's substantial catches were pivotal during this phase, especially the stunning caught-and-bowled to get rid of Amelia Kerr, who managed just 17 runs. The intensity displayed by the Delhi fielders was palpable, as illustrated by Annabel Sutherland’s acrobatic efforts.
Despite some brief sparks from lower-order batsmen, including Amanjot Kaur who tried her best to salvage the innings with some aggressive shots, the Mumbai side fell significantly short, closing their innings at 123/9. Amanjot scored 17 runs but was unable to forge any meaningful partnerships. The Mumbai innings ended disappointingly, failing to make good use of the death overs.
Reflecting on the match, Annabel Sutherland emphasized the Capitals' strategic adjustments, saying, “We adjusted really well to the conditions, got to our lengths really well, and we were able to take wickets all throughout the innings. That's the key here.” Her remarks highlighted the importance of adapting to pitch conditions which played to DC’s considerable advantage.
Sutherland did not hold back praise for Jonassen's efforts, stating, “She (Jonassen) is such a competitor and a wicket-taker too. So good to have her on our team.” Such sentiments were shared across the squad as they celebrated their disciplined effort which laid the groundwork for their victory.
Overall, the Delhi Capitals exhibited their potential to be contenders this season, capitalizing on every Mumbai misstep and proving their mettle as title challengers thanks to their exceptional bowling line-up. With this result, the Capitals not only secured valuable points but also signaled their intent to be formidable opponents as the tournament progresses.