Mumbai, Mar 15 (UNI) Mumbai Indians Women successfully defended their Women’s Premier League (WPL) title, securing a thrilling 8-run victory over Delhi Capitals Women in the final at the Brabourne Stadium here on Saturday.
Delhi Capitals finished at the top of the league stage in all three editions of the WPL but have fallen short in the final each time, despite earning a direct entry.
Needing 150 for victory, Delhi Capitals Women were restricted to 141 for 9 in their 20 overs, as Mumbai’s disciplined bowling attack held their nerve in the death overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt (3/30) and Hayley Matthews (1/37) played pivotal roles in choking the Delhi batting line-up despite Marizanne Kapp’s fighting 40 off 26 balls.
Chasing a stiff target, Delhi lost their captain Meg Lanning (13) early to Nat Sciver-Brunt, followed soon by Shafali Verma (4), leaving them reeling at 17 for 2. Jemimah Rodrigues (30 off 21) and Kapp revived the innings with aggressive strokeplay, but Amelia Kerr (2/25) dismissed Rodrigues, bringing Mumbai back into the contest.
The Capitals’ middle order faltered under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. A crucial moment came in the 12th over when Sarah Bryce (5) was run out following a mix-up with Kapp. Mumbai’s bowlers capitalised on the breakthrough, with Sciver-Brunt striking twice in the 18th over, dismissing Kapp and Shikha Pandey (0) in quick succession.
Niki Prasad’s valiant 25* off 23 balls, including a six off Matthews in the penultimate over, gave Delhi hope, but Sciver-Brunt held her nerve in the final over to ensure Mumbai’s triumph.
Earlier, Mumbai Indians Women posted 149 for 7 after being put in to bat. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a commanding 66 off 44 balls, anchoring the innings after early setbacks. Nat Sciver-Brunt (30) and Amanjot Kaur (14*) provided crucial support, while Delhi’s Marizanne Kapp (2/11) and Jess Jonassen (2/20) kept Mumbai in check with timely breakthroughs.
With this victory, Mumbai Indians Women have now secured back-to-back WPL titles, while Delhi Capitals suffered the heartbreak of losing their third consecutive final.
UNI BDN GNK