The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 reached a thrilling conclusion as the Mumbai Indians Women emerged victorious, claiming their second title by defeating the Delhi Capitals Women by a narrow margin of 8 runs. The final took place at the Brabourne Stadium, where Mumbai set a total of 149 runs for 7 wickets, leading to a nail-biting finish as Delhi managed to score only 141 runs for 9 wickets.
Leading the charge for the Mumbai Indians was captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who played a stellar innings, scoring 66 runs off a mere 40 balls, demonstrating her prowess and experience under pressure. Alongside her, Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed a vital 30 runs off 28 balls, showcasing a degree of stability—though the batting performance overall fell below expectations.
While Mumbai’s batting showcased some strength, it also revealed vulnerabilities, particularly evident in the performance of star player Hayley Matthews, who only managed to score 3 runs off 10 balls. However, the team's bowling made a striking comeback, significantly restricting Delhi after a shaky start by taking crucial wickets at key moments.
Delhi Capitals, needing 14 runs off the final over, faced an uphill battle. Their innings saw them start falteringly at 66 for 5 but were pulled back into the contest thanks to the efforts of Marizanne Kapp, who scored 40 runs from 26 balls, and Niki Prasad, who contributed a resilient unbeaten 23 runs. Yet, despite their heroics, the Capitals could not cross the finish line, succumbing to Mumbai's defense despite the tense final moments.
This victory marks the second WPL title for the Mumbai Indians, who previously won the inaugural tournament in 2023. In a league teeming with emerging talent, 2025 proved to be a stage for several young cricketers to shine. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout performers amongst the next generation in WPL 2025:
Niki Prasad: A rising star for the Delhi Capitals, Prasad had a commendable tournament, accumulating a total of 78 runs across matches, with her performance in the final being particularly noteworthy as she remained not out on 25 runs.
Kashvee Gautam: The 21-year-old bowling sensation for the Gujarat Giants made a significant impact throughout the season, finishing as the highest wicket-taker for her team with an impressive tally of 11 wickets, which played a crucial role in securing Gujarat's first playoff appearance.
Priya Mishra: Another promising talent, Mishra emerged as a key player for the Gujarat Giants, taking 6 wickets overall. Her standout moment came in a match against UP Warriorz where she delivered a stellar performance, claiming 3 wickets for just 25 runs.
The WPL 2025 not only provided fierce competition among established players but also unearthed a wealth of potential from young cricketers eager to make their mark on the international stage. These youngsters exhibited resilience and skill, marking a bright future for women’s cricket in India.
The Mumbai Indians, with their victory, reinforced their reputation as a powerhouse in women's cricket, while the Delhi Capitals, despite their third consecutive loss in the finals, have left a mark of their own with commendable performances throughout the tournament. With the stage set for future competitions, all teams will look to build on their experiences and results from 2025.
As cricket continues to grow in popularity, especially in women’s formats, the WPL shines as a pivotal platform for players to showcase their talents and inspire a new generation of cricketers. The upcoming seasons promise even more thrilling action and exceptional performances from both established stars and new talent alike. The excitement surrounding the league continues to burgeon, with fans eager to witness more riveting cricket in the years to come.
