Delhi Capitals secured a direct entry into the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 final after topping the league table, following Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) stunning 11-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the final group-stage match at the Brabourne Stadium on Tuesday, March 11. With this result, Delhi Capitals, who finished with five wins—equal to MI—claimed the top spot due to their superior net run rate and progressed directly to the final on March 15. This marks the third consecutive year that the Capitals have reached the summit clash, and they will be determined to finally lift the coveted trophy after falling short in their previous attempts.
The outcome of the final league game had significant implications for the tournament standings. Mumbai Indians, who had the opportunity to finish at the top and qualify directly for the final, instead slipped to second place after their loss. Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants, who also had a strong campaign, finished third in the points table. As a result, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants will now face each other in the all-important Eliminator on Thursday, March 13, at the same venue. The winner of that high-stakes clash will advance to the final against Delhi Capitals.
Despite the setback, Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained upbeat and confident about her team’s chances in the knockout match. She emphasized the importance of staying composed under pressure and seizing key moments in the game. Acknowledging Mumbai's strong track record against Gujarat Giants, she cautioned that the opposition was in good form and could pose a serious challenge. “We need to stay calm and stay in the moment. Cricket is a game of winning small moments. We have a great record against them, but they are playing well,” Kaur said in her post-match remarks.
For Royal Challengers Bangalore, the victory was a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Despite failing to qualify for the next stage, RCB ensured they did not finish at the bottom of the table and ended their season on a positive note. The Smriti Mandhana-led side finished in fifth place in the six-team tournament, accumulating six points from eight matches. Their win over MI not only boosted their morale but also played a decisive role in shaping the final league standings.
RCB's performance in their last match was nothing short of spectacular. Batting first, they posted an imposing total of 199 for 3, with their top-order firing at the right time. Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a well-compiled 53 off 37 balls, marking a return to form after struggling in the earlier part of the season. She was well-supported by all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who played a crucial knock of 49 off 38 balls, stabilizing the innings in the middle overs. Richa Ghosh provided the necessary late acceleration with a blazing 36 off just 22 balls, while Georgia Wareham finished with a flourish, smashing 31 off a mere 10 deliveries to propel RCB close to the 200-run mark.
The RCB innings got off to a flying start as openers Mandhana and Sabbhineni Meghana put together a quick 41-run partnership. Meghana, in particular, was aggressive from the outset, scoring a rapid 26 off just 13 balls, entertaining the Brabourne crowd with her attacking strokes. She took on the likes of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews, hitting crisp boundaries over mid-off and mid-wicket. However, her innings was cut short when she fell while attempting another big shot.
Mandhana, who had struggled for consistency throughout the tournament, seemed determined to make a mark in the final game. She played with fluency, dispatching Shabnim Ismail for boundaries early on and then hammering Amelia Kerr for two sixes in a single over, which yielded 22 runs. Her aggression helped RCB build momentum, and even after she departed, the middle order capitalized on the solid foundation laid by the top order.
Mumbai Indians’ bowling unit struggled to contain the flow of runs, with only Hayley Matthews making a notable impact, finishing with figures of 2 for 37. Their fielding also let them down, as crucial dropped catches—one off Mandhana by Sanskriti Gupta and another off Perry by Kerr—proved costly.
Chasing a daunting target of 200, Mumbai Indians needed a strong start, but their innings began on a shaky note as they slumped to 38 for 2 within the powerplay. While the experienced Nat Sciver-Brunt put up a valiant fight, scoring a counter-attacking 69 off just 35 balls, her dismissal at a crucial juncture swung the momentum back in RCB’s favor. Sajeevan Sajana also played a brisk cameo of 23 off 12 balls, keeping MI’s hopes alive momentarily, but the pressure of an ever-climbing required rate proved too much.
RCB’s bowling attack delivered when it mattered the most. Sneh Rana was the standout performer with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for just 26 runs in her four overs, effectively stifling MI’s middle-order batters. Georgia Wareham (1/29) and Kim Garth (2/33) also chipped in with key breakthroughs to ensure RCB defended their total successfully.
Ultimately, Mumbai Indians fell short, finishing at 188 for 9, handing RCB a well-deserved 11-run victory. The result meant that although MI and Delhi Capitals both won five games in the league stage, DC’s superior net run rate gave them the edge and a direct entry into the final.
With Delhi Capitals securing their spot, the focus now shifts to the Eliminator clash between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants. The high-pressure encounter will determine which team earns the right to challenge the Capitals in the grand finale on March 15. MI, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will be looking to bounce back strongly, while Gujarat Giants, aiming for their maiden final appearance, will be eager to put up a fight.
As the tournament approaches its climax, all eyes will be on whether Delhi Capitals can finally break their title drought or if Mumbai Indians or Gujarat Giants can challenge them and claim the ultimate prize in the Women’s Premier League 2025.
