Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to face each other in a crucial fixture at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Both teams are in strong form, having secured three wins so far. MI, after four matches, lead the table with six points (three wins, one loss), while DC hold the second spot with the same points but have played an extra match (three wins, two losses).
Both sides are coming off victories—MI defeated UP Warriorz, while DC overcame the Gujarat Giants (GG). Notably, both teams have only won while chasing this season, adding another layer of intrigue to this contest. It remains to be seen if either team can secure a win while defending a target.
Previous encounter and Head-to-Head record
The last clash between these two teams made headlines due to controversial run-out decisions. DC emerged victorious in that thrilling encounter, winning on the last ball with two wickets in hand.
Overall, MI and DC have faced each other six times in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), with both teams winning three games each. Notably, when they met in Bengaluru last season, MI clinched a dramatic victory courtesy of Sajeevan Sajana’s last-ball six.
Nat Sciver-Brunt – MI’s key player
Mumbai’s batting heavily relies on England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt. She showcased her class in the last match against DC with a stunning 80* and has been MI’s most consistent performer with both the bat and ball.
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Head-to-head vs DC: 187 runs in six innings at an average of 62.33, strike-rate of 121.42
WPL 2025 stats: 254 runs in four innings, average of 127.00, strike-rate of 155.82, three fifties, seven wickets.
Unique stat: Despite a strike rate of over 155, she has not hit a single six so far, only 46 fours!
A lesson in smart batting
In modern-day cricket, where power-hitting and six-hitting dominate discussions, Sciver-Brunt is proving that conventional stroke play, smart running, and placement can be equally effective. Young batters, both in the Mumbai camp and across domestic and international circuits, can learn from her approach.
A recent example highlights this contrast—yesterday, Gujarat Giants skipper Ashleigh Gardner played a brilliant knock, but her partner Harleen Deol miscalculated the situation. With 65 needed from 11 overs (RRR: 5.90), Gardner had already secured five runs off three balls in an over. Yet, instead of rotating the strike, Harleen charged down the track, attempting a big hit, only to be caught at mid-on—an unnecessary risk at that stage.
Sciver-Brunt’s ability to maintain a high strike rate without taking excessive risks sets her apart. She maximises gaps, converts singles into doubles, and maintains intent without relying solely on boundary-hitting.
How DC can contain Nat Sciver-Brunt
For DC, neutralising Sciver-Brunt early will be crucial. Her last five dismissals in T20s have all been bowled—twice by spinners and three times by pacers. This suggests that if DC’s bowlers maintain a wicket-to-wicket line and exploit any help from the pitch, they can put MI’s batting under pressure by rattling the star all-rounder’s stumps. Last season at this venue, Arundhati Reddy cleaned up her with a yorker.
With two in-form teams clashing, an enthralling battle awaits at Chinnaswamy. Will one of them finally defend a target successfully, or will the trend of chasing victories continue?
Also Read: Ashleigh Gardner Stars as Gujarat Giants Keep Playoff Hopes Alive