In another exhilarating contest of the Women’s Premier League 2025 (WPL 2025), Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a nail-biting two-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Vadodara. This match saw the highest-ever successful run chase against MI in WPL history, adding yet another historic moment to the tournament.
Mumbai Indians Post a Competitive 164-Run Total
Winning the toss, MI opted to bat first and posted 164/5 in 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Nat Sciver-Brunt, who delivered a stellar knock of 80 off 59 balls*, showcasing her class with a mix of power-hitting and finesse. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur provided an explosive cameo, smashing 42 off 22 balls, accelerating the scoring rate significantly.
Shikha Pandey led DC’s bowling attack with impressive figures of 2/14, dismissing both MI openers—Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia—early in the innings. Despite the setback, MI powered past the 100-run mark in the 11th over, thanks to some sensational hitting from Kaur. However, after her dismissal, MI’s middle order faltered as Annabel Sutherland and Alice Capsey struck in quick succession, restricting MI to a total that was 20-25 runs below par.
Shafali Verma’s Power-Hitting Sets the Tone for DC’s Chase
Delhi Capitals started the chase aggressively, with Shafali Verma tearing apart MI’s bowling attack. She blasted 42 off just 18 balls, taking on Saika Ishaque for 22 runs in a single over, including four boundaries and a six. Meg Lanning, at the other end, played second fiddle but kept the scoreboard ticking.
However, MI struck back with crucial breakthroughs. Shabnim Ismail clean-bowled Lanning with a fiery inswinger, while Amelia Kerr removed Jemimah Rodrigues, turning the game in MI’s favor. From 60/0, DC slumped to 66/3, bringing MI back into the contest.
Niki Prasad & Sarah Bryce Keep DC in the Hunt
On her WPL debut, Niki Prasad (35 off 33) played a crucial role, stabilizing the innings alongside Capsey. But as wickets continued to fall, debutant Sarah Bryce delivered a quickfire 21 off 10 balls, including a towering six off Sciver-Brunt, keeping DC in the chase. The game continued to swing in both directions, with MI clawing back every time DC seemed ahead.
Last-Over Drama: DC Clinch Victory in Nail-Biting Finish
The final over was packed with drama. Radha Yadav smashed a six, reducing the equation to 10 off 7 balls. However, two debatable run-out referrals nearly derailed DC’s chase. First, Shikha Pandey survived a close call, only to be run out later. Then, Radha Yadav was also ruled not out in a marginal decision, which proved crucial.
With two runs needed off the final ball, Arundhati Reddy and Radha Yadav scampered for a brace. Reddy’s last-moment dive saved the day as the third umpire confirmed DC’s victory.
Key Takeaways from DC vs MI Clash
- Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 80 off 59* kept MI competitive despite middle-order collapses.
- Shafali Verma’s explosive 42 off 18 gave DC the perfect start.
- Niki Prasad and Sarah Bryce’s vital contributions ensured DC stayed in the hunt.
- Shikha Pandey’s 2/14 and crucial final overs played a decisive role.
- Controversial run-out decisions and last-ball drama made this a historic WPL match.
Delhi Capitals’ thrilling victory over Mumbai Indians has set the stage for an electrifying WPL 2025 season, proving once again why this league is one of the most exciting tournaments in women’s cricket.
