Delhi Capitals pulled off a dramatic two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, winning off the last ball in Vadodara. Chasing 165, DC faced a tough challenge but managed to cross the line in a nail-biting finish.
A Game of Twists and Turns
The match was full of ups and downs, with both teams gaining and losing momentum at different stages. Mumbai Indians, led by a brilliant unbeaten 80 from Nat Sciver-Brunt and a quick 42 from Harmanpreet Kaur, posted 164 before losing their last seven wickets for just 35 runs.
Delhi Capitals started their chase strongly, with Shafali Verma smashing 43 off just 18 balls to help DC score 60 runs in the powerplay. However, a middle-order collapse saw them struggling before young Niki Prasad guided the team close to victory with 35 off 33 balls.
Last-Ball Drama
With 10 runs needed off the final over, Prasad struck a crucial boundary but was dismissed with two runs still required. Arundhati Reddy, showing great composure, dived to complete the winning run on the last ball, sparking celebrations in the DC camp.
Controversial Run-Out Decisions
The match saw three close run-out calls go in Delhi’s favor, all reviewed by third umpire Gayathri Venugopalan. Shikha Pandey and Radha Yadav were both declared not out despite replays showing their bats were in the air when the bails were removed. The final call, which confirmed DC’s win, also raised some debate as Reddy’s bat seemed to be on the crease line when the stumps were broken.
Shafali’s Blazing Start
Shafali Verma set the tone for DC with an explosive knock, taking on Mumbai’s bowlers in the powerplay. She hammered Saika Ishaque for 22 runs in an over, hitting a six and four consecutive boundaries. Even though Meg Lanning struggled against Shabnim Ismail before being bowled, Shafali’s hitting kept DC ahead.
Prasad and Bryce Keep DC Alive
After a sudden collapse, DC found themselves in trouble at 109 for 5. WPL debutants Niki Prasad and Sarah Bryce steadied the innings with a vital partnership. Bryce played a quick cameo, scoring 21 off 10 balls, while Prasad anchored the chase. Even as wickets kept falling, she kept her cool until the final over.
Mumbai’s Batting Struggles
Mumbai Indians had started well with Harmanpreet Kaur accelerating in the middle overs. She smashed a six to reach 8000 T20 runs and looked dangerous before getting caught trying to play another big shot. Sciver-Brunt, however, was left stranded as wickets kept tumbling. MI lost multiple batters to run-outs, including Amelia Kerr, who was unlucky when a straight drive deflected onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end.
Sciver-Brunt’s Lone Battle
Despite MI’s struggles, Nat Sciver-Brunt played a stunning knock, striking eight fours and a six. She tried to push MI past 170, but with little support from the lower order, they were bowled out in the final over.
Pandey’s Early Magic
Shikha Pandey was impressive with the new ball for DC, swinging it both ways. She dismissed Hayley Matthews for a duck in the first over and later knocked over Yastika Bhatia’s stumps, finishing with excellent figures of 2 for 14.
A Win to Remember
Delhi Capitals’ victory showcased their resilience and ability to handle pressure. Mumbai Indians fought hard, but their middle-order collapse cost them. With this thrilling win, DC has made a strong statement early in WPL 2025.
