Delhi Capitals Aim for First WPL Title, Hoping Third Time's the Charm

WPL 2025 Final: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals - Clash of Powerhouses

Match Details:

• Fixture: Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Delhi Capitals (DC)
• Venue: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
• Date: March 15, 2025

What to Expect: Battle of Two Powerhouse Teams

In a throwback to the 2023 final, MI and DC, two of the most consistent teams in the Women's Premier League (WPL), face off once again for the coveted title. DC have enjoyed a smooth run into the final, while MI took the tough route, playing three matches in four days to secure their spot.

DC have been consistent in their team selection and performances. Captain Meg Lanning found form late in the tournament, Shafali Verma has been dominant at the top, and Jess Jonassen’s promotion to No. 3 has worked well. However, DC’s middle order (positions 4-7) remains a concern, averaging just 17.50 and striking at 116.66—the lowest figures among all teams this season.

MI, on the other hand, boast a powerful line-up with Nat Sciver-Brunt in prime form, Hayley Matthews contributing with both bat and ball, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur hitting her stride. However, MI's middle order has shown inconsistency. The advantage for MI is playing at home, where they have won six out of seven games this season.

Team News and Key Selection Decisions

• Mumbai Indians:
  MI experimented with Amelia Kerr as an opener while pushing Yastika Bhatia down the order. Though Yastika adapted well, Kerr struggled to convert starts. The Eliminator saw them revert to the original line-up, but the performance was underwhelming. It remains to be seen if MI will shuffle the order again.

  MI also swapped left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque for Parunika Sisodia in the Eliminator. However, Ishaque bowled only one over, raising questions about her inclusion for the final.

  Probable XI:

  1. Hayley Matthews, 2. Amelia Kerr, 3. Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5. Amanjot Kaur, 6. Yastika Bhatia (wk), 7. S Sajana, 8. G Kamalini, 9. Sanskriti Gupta, 10. Shabnim Ismail, 11. Saika Ishaque

• Delhi Capitals:
  DC have had a stable line-up and are unlikely to make changes after their last outing on March 7.

  Probable XI:

  1. Meg Lanning (capt), 2. Shafali Verma, 3. Jemimah Rodrigues, 4. Annabel Sutherland, 5. Marizanne Kapp, 6. Jess Jonassen, 7. Sarah Bryce (wk), 8. Niki Prasad, 9. Minnu Mani, 10. Shikha Pandey, 11. Titas Sadhu

Key Players to Watch

• Jemimah Rodrigues (DC):
  Rodrigues has struggled this season, managing just one fifty and multiple single-digit scores. With the final in her hometown, she’ll be eager to make an impact. However, her fielding has been outstanding throughout the tournament.

• Hayley Matthews (MI):
  Matthews has been consistent with the ball, currently leading the wicket charts with 17 scalps at an average of 15.88. She rediscovered her batting form in the Eliminator and will be crucial in both departments for MI.

Stats to Know

• Nat Sciver-Brunt is just three runs away from becoming the first player to reach 1000 WPL runs and seven runs shy of 500 runs in a single WPL season.
• Rodrigues, Jonassen, and Shikha Pandey will be playing their fifth franchise final together in two years.
• Meg Lanning has won every international title and claimed her first franchise title in 2024 with London Spirit. If DC win, the WBBL will be the only major title missing from her illustrious career.

What’s at Stake?

• MI are looking to defend their home advantage, having lost only once at Brabourne this season.
• DC, having lost in the final twice before, will hope that the third time’s the charm as they chase their maiden WPL title.

Will it be Meg Lanning lifting the trophy or Harmanpreet Kaur defending MI’s crown? All eyes are set for a thrilling finale!