The Mumbai Indians secured their second Womens Premier League (WPL) title on March 15, 2025, with a nail-biting eight-run victory over the Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium. After setting a target of 150 runs, the Mumbai Indians showcased resilience and strategic prowess under pressure to defend their total successfully.
Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Mumbai Indians, played a pivotal role with the bat, scoring 66 runs off 44 balls. Coming to the crease at 14 for 2, Kaur steadied the innings alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt, forming a match-defining 89-run partnership for the third wicket. This performance not only underscored Kaur's skill but also helped her team recover from early setbacks.
Reflecting on her innings, Kaur mentioned the pressure of the final, stating, "I had the belief if I stay there and keep rotating the strike, I didn’t need to take too much pressure because Nat was there with me. That partnership was amazing, and we tried to keep things simple." With this win, Kaur also made history as the first captain to win multiple titles in WPL history.
Despite their early struggle, the Mumbai Indians managed to post 149 for 7. Kaur's innings was marked by aggressive yet calculated shots, including nine boundaries and two sixes. The team momentum was at risk after losing their two openers, but Kaurs determined knock significantly turned the tide.
Nat Sciver-Brunt added 30 runs to the team total before contributing significantly with the ball. She later claimed three wickets for 30 runs, effectively halting the Delhi Capitals' chase. Sciver-Brunt, recognized as the Most Valuable Player of the season, played her role with dexterity, balancing her batting and bowling duties seamlessly.
The Delhi Capitals, managed by Meg Lanning, faced disappointment yet again, marking their third consecutive final loss. Lanning expressed her sentiments post-match, saying, "We had another good season but didn’t get across the line tonight. Chasing 150 was a good target for us, but we needed one more partnership to bridge the gap." Lanning's disappointment echoed the sentiment of her team, which had performed consistently throughout the season, only to falter at the final hurdle.
Truly, the game was highlighted by Mumbai's tactical brilliance, particularly from their bowlers. The bowling lineup, comprising Shabnim Ismail, Sciver-Brunt, and Amelia Kerr, proved too much for the Delhi Capitals. Ismail almost singlehandedly halted initial breakthroughs, wrapping her overs with figures of 1 for 15, setting the stage for Sciver-Brunt's impactful performance.
On the other hand, the Capitals managed to chase down 141 runs but fell short yet again due to consistent pressure from the Mumbai bowlers. Marizanne Kapp emerged as the standout performer for the Capitals, scoring 40 runs off 26 balls, but her efforts werent enough to secure victory.
The match culminated dramatically with the Mumbai bowlers executing their strategy perfectly, applying pressure throughout the innings. Even as the Capitals aimed for glory, the 150-runs target seemed to loom large, with Mumbai's bowlers ensuring wickets fell at pivotal moments.
Harmanpreet was honored with the Player of the Match award for her match-winning innings, marking her influence not only as a player but also as a leader. The Mumbai Indians approach to this final reflected their growth as a team and their determination to claim their rightful place as champions.
Now, with the 2025 WPL title secured, the Mumbai Indians have established themselves as one of the league's most formidable teams. The victory not only brings pride to the franchise and its fans but also serves as inspiration for women's cricket globally. Lanning, representing the Delhi Capitals, provided grace and wit even after the defeat, acknowledging the strength of the Mumbai unit and hinting at the potential for growth moving forward.
Overall, the final showcased the very best of women's cricket, filled with moments of courage, strategy, and sportsmanship. The Mumbai Indians emerged victorious, etching their name once again on the championship trophy, as fans, players, and analysts alike celebrated this momentous achievement. Both teams, through their efforts, contributed to elevative standards within the Womens Premier League, enticing greater attention to women's cricket.