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18 March 2025

Mumbai Indians Secure Second WPL Title With Eight-Run Victory

Harmanpreet Kaur shines as Mumbai edges out Delhi Capitals to claim the championship.

Mumbai Indians clinched their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title with a thrilling eight-run victory over Delhi Capitals on March 15, 2025. The final took place at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, where fans witnessed an exhilarating match filled with exceptional performances.

Batting first, the Mumbai Indians faced early trouble, losing two wickets for just 14 runs. The pressure was on until the third-wicket partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, which proved to be pivotal. This duo added 89 valuable runs, helping Mumbai finish with 149 runs for the loss of seven wickets after their 20 overs.

Harmanpreet Kaur was the star of the innings, scoring an impressive 66 runs off 44 balls, which included nine fours and two sixes. Despite struggling with a problematic knee, her performance was instrumental for her team. Head coach Charlotte Edwards praised Kaur’s ability to read the match conditions well and assertively attack the bowlers.

“I think it's helped... it was just such a great innings and really set us up,” Edwards stated, emphasizing the importance of Kaur’s leadership and cricketer instincts. Mumbai initially crawled to just 20 runs within the first six overs, but Kaur’s timing and placement of the ball turned the game around.

Delhi Capitals, chasing 150 runs, encountered their own challenges. They put together promising efforts, including Marizanne Kapp's quick-fire 40 runs from 26 balls, but they struggled against the Mumbai bowlers. Eventually, they needed 14 runs off the final over but fell short, finishing at 141 runs for the loss of nine wickets.

Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was also exceptional with the ball, bowled the decisive last over and successfully defended the target, claiming three wickets overall during the match. Her all-round performance helped seal the victory for Mumbai Indians. With this win, Sciver-Brunt became the first player to reach 1000 runs in WPL history, marking another milestone for the franchise.

“I thought Harman took the attack to us... she backed herself to do it,” stated Jonathan Batty, head coach of Delhi Capitals, reflecting on Kaur’s aggressive approach and impact on the match. Batty acknowledged how difficult it was to contain Kaur’s batting, noting the risks she took and the timely execution of her skills.

This victory marked the Mumbai Indians' second title following their championship win during the inaugural WPL season held in 2023; Royal Challengers Bengaluru took the title last year. The Mumbai franchise has re-established their dominance, showcasing both seasoned and young players under pressure. Edwards also highlighted the team's resilience, mentioning, “To put together this performance under pressure, I am really happy for the group.”

This season, Mumbai Indians had played four games within six days leading up to the final match, proving their endurance and commitment. The combination of tactical gameplay and step-up performances under difficult schedules displayed their team spirit and skill at the forefront of Indian women's cricket.

After their victorious celebration, the Mumbai Indians had etched their name once again on the WPL trophy, bringing joy not just to the players but also to their loyal fan base. The league's affection continues to grow as women’s cricket captures the attention of audiences and inspires future generations of female athletes.

The Women’s Premier League, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), follows the franchise model similar to the popular men’s Indian Premier League (IPL), comprising five teams competing for the ultimate title. Mumbai Indians now stand as formidable champions of the league, continuing to pave the way for women’s cricket advancement and recognition on the global stage.