Naman Suri in Mumbai
The stage is set for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 final, a repeat of the 2023 summit clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI). This time, the onus is on DC to make amends for their previous heartbreak. Much will depend on the performance of their opening duo—captain Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma—as they look to set the tone for a historic victory.
When these two teams last met in the WPL final at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, DC won the toss and opted to bat. However, their batting crumbled, with Lanning and Shafali managing just a 12-run opening stand. The team soon found themselves struggling at 79 for 9, with only a last-wicket partnership offering some resistance. Mumbai chased down the target comfortably, winning by seven wickets with three balls to spare.
“We’ve seen throughout the tournament that when teams get off to a good start with the bat, it becomes very difficult to pull them back. Our approach in the powerplay is the same as everyone else’s—to put the opposition under pressure and get ahead in the game. That’s exactly what Shafali and I will aim to do in the final,” Lanning said during the pre-match press conference, emphasising their intent in the first six overs.
Unlike DC, who directly qualified for the final, Mumbai had to take the longer route, thrashing Gujarat Giants by 47 runs in the Eliminator. With that win, MI have already played three matches at Brabourne this season and will be vying for the title in their fourth match at the venue in just six days.
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Delhi, on the other hand, will be playing their first game at this ground in WPL 2025—directly in the final. Does this put them at a disadvantage? Lanning, however, dismissed any concerns.
“It is what it is. We had a busy period towards the end of the tournament, so it was nice to get some rest and watch how the matches played out. But I feel we’re in a great position to attack tomorrow night. The squad is full of energy, and we’re excited about the opportunity ahead.”
“We’ve been watching the games, training here, and several of our players have experience playing at this venue. Like any ground, it’s about assessing the conditions and adjusting accordingly,” she added.
DC will be banking on their seasoned campaigners to finally cross the finish line. With a refreshed squad, a clear strategy, and the hunger to avenge their 2023 loss, they stand on the brink of WPL glory.
Also Read: Delhi Capitals aim for maiden WPL title against in-form Mumbai Indians