For the third time this WPL season, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to clash, this time in the final. MI sealed their spot with a dominant win over the Gujarat Giants (GG) in the eliminator, while DC topped the group stage to qualify directly for the final. DC have won both encounters against MI this season and holds a narrow 4-3 lead in the overall head-to-head record.
Contrasting preparations due to scheduling
This season’s scheduling has confused many. MI will be playing their fourth match in just six days, which is a major challenge for any team. Recovery and fitness will be key, especially for a high-intensity final against a strong DC side.
On the other hand, DC are coming into the final after a week-long break. While they should be well-rested, some fans worry that the long gap might disrupt their momentum—especially since DC lost their last group-stage game against GG.
However, DC vice-captain Jemimah Rodrigues saw the break as a positive. Speaking in a media interaction, she said: “This gap has actually worked in our favour. We have had valuable team bonding sessions, and given the hectic WPL schedule with back-to-back matches and travel, this break has come at the right time. We have also had quality practice sessions on the Mumbai pitches to get used to the conditions. Sometimes, a short break helps us reset and be fully ready for the big day.”
MI’s stronghold at Brabourne
MI have dominated at Brabourne Stadium, winning six of their seven matches here across all WPL seasons. Their only loss came this year against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Meanwhile, DC have played four matches at the venue, winning two and losing two. Notably, they have not played a single game here this season.
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Facing MI in a final at their home ground would not be easy. The last time these two teams played a final at Brabourne was in 2023, when MI defeated DC by seven wickets to lift the trophy.
DC’s chance for redemption
DC now have the perfect chance to settle the score after their heartbreak in that final. In 2023, DC opted to bat first but managed only 131/9 in 20 overs. MI chased down the target with three balls to spare, with Nat Sciver-Brunt winning Player of the Match for her unbeaten 60 off 55 balls.
Hayley Matthews was the star with the ball, taking 3/5. Given their current form, MI fans will hope for a repeat, while DC will look to turn the tide.
Sciver-Brunt and Matthews: MI’s key players
Sciver-Brunt is on the verge of creating history, needing just seven runs to become the first player to score 500 runs in a single WPL season. She has amassed 493 runs in nine innings at an average of 70.42 and a strike-rate of 156.50, with five fifties. She has also taken nine wickets.
Matthews has been exceptional with the ball, leading the wicket charts with 17 wickets in nine matches at an average of 15.88. After a slow start with the bat, she has found her rhythm and is now the third-highest run-scorer with 304 runs at a strike-rate of 126.66.
For DC to succeed, they must find a way to stop these two MI stars.
DC’s hopes rely on the opening pair
DC’s success over the years has heavily depended on the opening pair of Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma.
- In the 17 matches DC have won in WPL history, Lanning and Shafali have scored 978 runs together at an average of 61.12, with seven fifty and three century partnerships.
- In the nine matches DC have lost, the duo have managed just 229 runs at an average of 25.44, with only two fifty stands.
This highlights how crucial their performance will be in the final. However, DC’s middle order remains a concern. Despite having talented batters like Jess Jonassen, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, and Annabel Sutherland, they have failed to live up to expectations, except for some knocks from Jonassen. If DC’s top order collapses early, the middle order will be under immense pressure, especially in the middle overs against the spin duo of Matthews and Amelia Kerr (second-highest wicket-taker this season so far, 16 wickets in nine innings).
This was evident in the 2023 final against MI when Lanning and Shafali managed only 12 runs together. Similarly, in the 2024 WPL final against RCB, they added 64 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup crumbled, and DC were bowled out for just 113.
Hence, considering all these factors as the two teams prepare for a high-stakes clash, the big question remains: Can MI regain their title, or will DC finally find redemption?
Also Read: “We’re going to give it our all” – Jemimah Rodrigues ready for WPL 2025 title clash