Mumbai, Mar 14 (UNI) The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is set for a thrilling conclusion as Delhi Capitals Women take on former champions Mumbai Indians Women in the final at the Brabourne Stadium here on Saturday.
Delhi Capitals have dominated the season, finishing at the top of the table and securing a direct berth in the final. The Meg Lanning-led side has been formidable throughout the tournament, winning both encounters against Mumbai this season, which gives them a psychological advantage. Having finished as runners-up in the previous edition, Delhi are determined to go one step further and claim their maiden WPL title.
Mumbai, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, secured the second spot in the group stage and stormed into the final after a commanding 47-run win over Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator. The former champions are eager to reclaim the title and avenge their earlier defeats against Delhi.
A key factor in the final will be the individual brilliance of star performers. For Mumbai, Nat Sciver-Brunt has been the tournament’s standout player, amassing 493 runs in nine innings at a blistering strike rate of 156, including five half-centuries.
Hayley Matthews has been a solid presence at the top of the order, scoring 304 runs at a strike rate of 126, while captain Harmanpreet has played a crucial finisher’s role with 236 runs at a strike rate of 156.29.
Mumbai’s bowling attack has been spearheaded by Hayley, who has taken 16 wickets at an economy rate of 8.18, while Amelia Kerr has also been instrumental with 15 wickets at an economy of 8.00. Sciver-Brunt has chipped in with both bat and ball, claiming eight wickets at an economy of 8.17.
Delhi’s batting lineup has been led by Shafali Verma, who has amassed 300 runs in eight innings at a staggering strike rate of 158. Meg Lanning has played the role of anchor, accumulating 263 runs at a strike rate of 117. Jess Jonassen has provided late-order firepower, contributing 137 runs at a strike rate of 155.68.
In the bowling department, Jonassen and Shikha Pandey have been Delhi’s leading wicket-takers with 11 wickets each, while Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp have played vital supporting roles, claiming a combined 14 wickets.
The Brabourne Stadium is expected to offer a batting-friendly surface, particularly in the first innings, with short boundaries and a true pitch likely to result in a high-scoring contest. However, as the match progresses, the pitch is expected to offer grip to slower bowlers, making cutters and variations more effective. The presence of sea breeze after 9 PM could also play a role in assisting swing bowling. The weather is expected to remain clear, with no threat of rain disrupting the final.
With all three matches played at this venue this season being won by teams batting first, the toss could prove to be crucial. Delhi may opt to set a target, given the trend at the ground. A total in excess of 190 could prove to be a match-winning score, considering the batting-friendly nature of the surface.
As Delhi aim to secure their first title and Mumbai look to reclaim the crown for the second time, the WPL 2025 final promises to be an electrifying showdown between two top-class teams.
UNI BDN GNK