The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 final showcased another thrilling chapter as the Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) triumphed over the Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W) by eight runs on March 15, 2025, at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. This victory marks MI-W's second WPL title, having previously won during the inaugural season in 2023.
Batting first after winning the toss, MI-W faced early setbacks and were reeling at 14 for 2. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, recognizing the need for stability, played a phenomenal innings, scoring 66 runs off just 44 balls. Her performance helped MI-W reach a competitive total of 149 runs, which was deemed defendable against the formidable Delhi lineup.
The match unfolded dramatically, particularly when MI-W was reduced to 14 for 2 after losing both openers. Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia fell cheaply, putting enormous pressure on Harmanpreet who steadied the innings alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt. The duo countered the early collapse effectively; both contributed significantly to stabilize MI’s innings before they faced another jolt.
While MI looked poised for a larger score, the middle order crumbled, losing four wickets for just 15 runs as they slid from 103 for 2 to 118 for 6. This collapse added tension to the final overs, but Harmanpreet’s earlier innings provided enough of a buffer for the bowlers to work with.
Looking to chase down the target, DC-W struggled from the outset, losing their captain Meg Lanning early, bowled out by Nat Sciver-Brunt who showcased her bowling prowess throughout the innings. The turning point came when fast bowler Shabnim Ismail managed to dismiss the explosive opener Shafali Verma, who was considered pivotal to Delhi's chase.
Shafali was trapped LBW after misjudging Ismail’s delivery and only managing to shuffle across the crease, which brought the score to 17 for 2 within just three overs. The significance of this wicket was palpable, and Harmanpreet Kaur’s breaking emotion upon its fall was both celebratory and symbolic. She was seen roaring with delight, embracing Ismail passionately as the importance of the moment sunk in.
Throughout the match, highlights included Sciver-Brunt's tight bowling and significant scalps, including those of both Lanning and Marizanne Kapp—the latter who also fell to Ismail, markedly swinging momentum firmly toward MI. The DC-W batting lineup found themselves at 123 for 8, and eventually, it was too much for them to handle, with Mumbai clinching the victory by eight runs.
Harmanpreet Kaur was rightfully named Player of the Match for her innings, which not only anchored the innings but set up the team for victory. Sciver-Brunt received accolades as Player of the Tournament and took home the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs overall, showcasing her all-round performance throughout the season. Meanwhile, Amelia Kerr earned the Purple Cap for being the leading wicket-taker, and Shabnim Ismail was celebrated for bowling the most dot balls this season.
The match served as a reminder of the WPL's increasing popularity and competitiveness, with Mumbai asserting their stature as back-to-back champions. This victory is especially sweet for MI fans, as DC has now reached the final three times without securing the trophy. Despite being favorites with strong performances leading up to the final, the Capitals were left heartbroken once again.
This year’s edition saw not only thrilling cricket but also notable milestones, such as the emergence of Amanjot Kaur as the season's breakout player, demonstrating the growth of talent and the exciting future for women’s cricket in India.
The atmosphere at the Brabourne Stadium was electric as fans packed the stands, supporting their teams through thick and thin. Post-match reactions saw many praising the Mumbai Indians for their grit and resilience, as well as their ability to perform under pressure, which is often the hallmark of champions.
“If MI manages to defend this total today, they will clinch their second WPL title, after winning it during the inaugural WPL season in 2023,” had been the sentiment before the match began, and it turned out to be prophetic. With the final now concluded, Mumbai will look to build on this momentum for next season, keeping their eyes firmly set on retaining their title.
Looking at the season as a whole, the hardware was distributed among impressive talents—Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership has been pivotal, Nat Sciver-Brunt's consistent contributions highlighted her importance to the squad, and Shabnim Ismail's bowling skill set her apart as one of the tournament’s finest bowlers.
The WPL 2025 final reaffirmed the growing stature of women’s cricket worldwide, especially within India, and sent a strong message about the future of the sport. With new stars on the rise and established players leading the charge, it's clear the Women's Premier League is here to stay, growing larger and more competitive with each passing season.