The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is set for an epic showdown as Mumbai Indians (MI) take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in the grand finale on Saturday, March 15, at the iconic Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. After a month of intense cricket, breathtaking performances, and nail-biting finishes, it all boils down to this one last battle — a shot at glory and the coveted WPL trophy.
Delhi Capitals, despite finishing at the top of the table in all three WPL editions, are still chasing their elusive first title. Under the seasoned leadership of Meg Lanning, who boasts an illustrious career with Australia before her retirement in 2023, DC has another golden opportunity to rewrite history. Last year’s heartbreak against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — where a dramatic batting collapse at the Arun Jaitley Stadium ended their hopes — remains fresh. This time, they’re determined to ensure no slip-ups.
However, the task won’t be easy. Mumbai Indians have been in phenomenal form, especially after their dominant 47-run victory over Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator. MI has the advantage of momentum, having played three high-pressure games in the last week, while DC comes in rested after an eight-day break. Whether the break leaves Delhi refreshed or rusty remains a question.
The head-to-head record tilts slightly in DC’s favor, with four wins from seven encounters, including a current three-match winning streak against MI. But Mumbai has the edge at Brabourne — their lone meeting at the venue ended in MI’s favor with a convincing seven-wicket victory in the WPL 2023 final.
Key players to watch:
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Nat Sciver-Brunt: The backbone of MI’s campaign, Sciver-Brunt is on the verge of a historic milestone. She needs just seven runs to become the first-ever WPL batter to cross the 500-run mark in a single season. With 493 runs at an astonishing average of 70.42, combined with her nine crucial wickets, she’s a strong contender for Player of the Tournament. Her ability to control the middle overs and accelerate when needed makes her MI’s most valuable player.
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Hayley Matthews: A true match-winner, Matthews has been MI’s engine at the top. With 304 runs at 33.77, including three half-centuries, she’s a reliable opener. But her real X-factor lies in her bowling — she leads the Purple Cap race with 17 wickets at an economy rate of 8.10. Her all-round brilliance gives MI the edge in both departments.
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Amelia Kerr: The ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2024 hasn’t made waves with the bat, but her bowling has been top-notch. The Kiwi spinner holds the record as the only MI bowler with a five-wicket haul in WPL history. With 16 wickets at an economy of 7.93, she’s a strike weapon in the middle overs, capable of breaking partnerships and choking runs.
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Shafali Verma: DC’s fearless opener has been their standout performer, hammering 300 runs in eight games at an impressive average of 42.85. Known for her aggressive style, she’s just one maximum away from becoming the first batter to smash 50 sixes in WPL history — a testament to her power-hitting prowess. A big knock from Shafali could give DC the head start they need.
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Jess Jonassen: The Australian all-rounder has been a quiet but vital performer for DC. She’s taken 11 wickets in seven games at an economy rate of 8.19, often providing breakthroughs at crucial moments. With the bat, she’s DC’s most consistent player, averaging 45.66 with 137 runs, including two fifties. Her unbeaten 61 against Gujarat Giants remains one of the highlights of the season.
Probable Playing XIs:
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Mumbai Indians:Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Sajeevan Sajana, G Kamalini, Parunika Sisodia, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque
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Delhi Capitals:Meg Lanning (c), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jess Jonassen, Sarah Bryce (wk), Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Shikha Pandey, Titas Sadhu
DC is likely to stick with their tried-and-tested XI, having shown faith in a settled lineup throughout the tournament. MI, however, might consider tweaking their attack by bringing back Parunika Sisodia to counter DC’s right-hand-heavy batting order. Yastika Bhatia, who replaced Kerr as the opener, is expected to hold her place.
When and where to watch:
- Time: 7:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM GMT
- Telecast: Star Sports
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar app
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Mumbai Indians defend their title and continue their dominance, or will Delhi Capitals finally break their WPL final curse to claim their long-awaited crown? It’s a battle of grit, talent, and nerves — one destined to be remembered for years to come.
