For the third consecutive season, Delhi Capitals (DC) have reached the Women’s Premier League (WPL) final, and this time, they hope to finally lift the trophy. After finishing as runners-up in both 2023 and 2024, DC will face defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, on March 15, 2025.
Familiar Foes in the Final
The clash between MI and DC is a repeat of the WPL 2023 final, where MI emerged victorious. While DC have dominated this season, securing a direct spot in the final, ESPN Cricinfo highlights how MI had to take the longer route, playing three matches in four days to get here.
DC’s campaign has been built on consistency. Captain Meg Lanning has hit form at the right time, Shafali Verma has been a run-machine at the top, and the bold decision to promote Jess Jonassen to No. 3 has paid off. However, DC’s middle order (Nos. 4 to 7) has struggled, averaging just 17.50 runs per player, the lowest among all teams this season.
Meanwhile, MI boasts a power-packed squad. Nat Sciver-Brunt has been at her brutal best, Hayley Matthews has excelled in both departments, and Harmanpreet Kaur has led with intent. Their powerplay bowling has been the best in the tournament, even better than DC’s.
Will Home Advantage Favor MI?
MI have turned Brabourne Stadium into a fortress, losing just one of their last seven matches here. However, BCCI’s official website notes that DC, with their seven-day break, might be fresher going into the final.
Team News: MI’s Opening Dilemma
MI experimented with Amelia Kerr as an opener, pushing Yastika Bhatia down the order. However, Kerr couldn’t capitalize, and MI reverted to their original lineup in the Eliminator against Gujarat Giants. Will MI make another change to maximize Yastika’s potential?
Additionally, Saika Ishaque replaced Parunika Sisodia in the Eliminator but bowled just one over. MI might reconsider their bowling combination for the final.
Predicted XIs
Mumbai Indians (MI): Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wk), S Sajana, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque
Delhi Capitals (DC): Meg Lanning (capt), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jess Jonassen, Sarah Bryce (wk), Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Shikha Pandey, Titas Sadhu
Key Players to Watch
Jemimah Rodrigues (DC)
Rodrigues has had a lean season with the bat, scoring just one fifty in six innings. With a home final in Mumbai, she will be eager to make a match-winning impact. However, her fielding has been outstanding throughout the tournament.
Hayley Matthews (MI)
Matthews has been MI’s trump card, leading the wicket-taking charts with 17 scalps at an average of 15.88. She also found form with the bat in the Eliminator, making her one of MI’s most valuable assets. In the 2023 final, her exceptional 3/5 spell helped MI secure the title.
Records on the Line
- Nat Sciver-Brunt needs just three runs to become the first player to score 1000 runs in WPL history and seven runs to complete 500 runs in a single season.
- Rodrigues, Jonassen, and Shikha Pandey will be playing their fifth franchise league final in two years.
- If DC wins, Meg Lanning will have won every major international title in her career, leaving only the WBBL as the missing piece in her trophy cabinet.
Also Read : Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Miss Initial IPL 2025 Matches for Mumbai Indians
