Harmanpreet's Heroics.
The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 final delivered drama, tension, and ultimately, a second championship title for the Mumbai Indians. In a thrilling showdown at the Brabourne Stadium, MI defeated the Delhi Capitals by just 8 runs, For Delhi, it was a heartbreaking repeat of past failures, as they crumbled under pressure in a title match for the third time in a row.
Mumbai's Rocky Start:
The final didn't start according to plan for Mumbai. Their openers, Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews, failed to fire, leaving MI struggling. With the scoreboard looking grim and two wickets down early, captain Harmanpreet Kaur strode to the crease. What followed was a masterclass in pressure-cooker batting.
Harmanpreet not only steadied the ship but also launched a stunning counterattack. She forged a crucial 89-run partnership with Nat Sciver-Brunt, taking the attack to the Delhi bowlers. Harmanpreet's 66 off just 44 balls was a blend of power and precision, turning the tide of the match.
Delhi's Bowling Prowess, Then a Batting Collapse
Earlier, Delhi's bowlers, led by Marizanne Kapp's fiery spell, had put Mumbai on the back foot. Exceptional fielding and sharp catches made it seem like Delhi's night. However, Mumbai's lower order, contributions from G Kamalini and Amanjot Kaur, managed to push the total to a competitive 149.
Chasing 150, Delhi's star-studded batting lineup – featuring Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, and Jess Jonassen – simply imploded. Soft dismissals and a consistent squeeze from Mumbai's bowlers, led by the ever-reliable Nat Sciver-Brunt (who also bagged the Purple Cap for the season!), saw them reeling at 83/6 by the 13th over. Only Marizanne Kapp's valiant 40 off 26 balls offered some real resistance.
Mumbai's Bowling Brilliance:
While Harmanpreet's batting was the highlight, Mumbai's victory was a team effort, particularly with the ball. Shabnim Ismail, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Amelia Kerr formed a formidable trio, applying relentless pressure and picking up crucial wickets. They expertly defended their total, restricting Delhi to just 141.
MI Champions Again:
Mumbai Indians, winning it the hard way by playing four matches in the last week, showed their grit and determination, and proven experience. While the Delhi Capitals will be ruing another missed opportunity, Mumbai Indians can celebrate their second WPL title, due to their resilience and Harmanpreet Kaur's exceptional leadership.
