The Mumbai Indians have again proven their dominance in the Women’s IPL, securing their second championship title with a hard-fought eight-run victory over the Delhi Capitals. Despite reaching the final for the third consecutive time, Delhi fell short, leaving Sourav Ganguly’sGanguly’s team still searching for their maiden Women’s IPL trophy. Jhulan Goswami’s experience was crucial to Mumbai’s success, while Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with an outstanding batting performance.
Contents
- 1 Delhi Capitals Falter Again in the Final
- 2 Harmanpreet Kaur Anchors Mumbai’sMumbai’s Innings
- 3 Delhi’sDelhi’s Bowlers Strike Back
- 4 Mumbai’sMumbai’s Bowlers Deliver Under Pressure
- 5 Marizanne Kapp’sKapp’s Lone Resistance
- 6 Sciver-Brunt Seals Mumbai’sMumbai’s Victory
- 7 Delhi’sDelhi’s Wait for a Title Continues
Delhi Capitals Falter Again in the Final
Delhi Capitals started the match with high hopes, determined to end their title drought. Their bowlers applied early pressure on Mumbai, making it a challenging contest. However, as the game progressed, Mumbai’s resilience and experience shone through, ultimately leading them to victory. The defeat was a bitter pill for Delhi’sDelhi’s Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, who saw his team come close yet again but fail to cross the final hurdle.
Harmanpreet Kaur Anchors Mumbai’sMumbai’s Innings
Winning the toss, Delhi chose to field first, and their bowlers capitalized on the decision. Mumbai’sMumbai’s openers, Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia, struggled against Delhi’sDelhi’s Marizanne Kapp, who delivered a masterclass in swing bowling. She dismantled Mumbai’sMumbai’s top order, dismissing Matthews for just three runs and Yastika for eight, leaving Mumbai reeling at 14/2.
With early wickets falling, it was up to Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt to stabilize the innings. They started cautiously, ensuring no further setbacks during the power play. Once settled, Harmanpreet unleashed her attacking game, finding gaps and promptly dispatching deliveries to the boundary. Her aggressive approach put Delhi’s Delhi’s bowlers on the back foot, allowing Mumbai to rebuild.
Harmanpreet reached her half-century in just 33 balls, showcasing her ability to turn the tide under pressure. Nat Sciver-Brunt, playing a supporting role, ensured the innings remained steady. Together, they added 72 crucial runs, propelling Mumbai toward a competitive total.
Delhi’sDelhi’s Bowlers Strike Back
When Mumbai seemed to be cruising, young spinner Nallapur Reddy Charani gave Delhi a breakthrough, dismissing Sciver-Brunt for 30. Minnu Mani’sMani’s brilliant catch at mid-wicket played a vital role in breaking the partnership. Following this, Mumbai lost wickets at regular intervals. Amelia Kerr and Sajeevan Sajana struggled to contribute, while Harmanpreet, under increasing pressure, fell for 66 after an aggressive attempt off Annabel Sutherland’s delivery.
Despite the middle-order collapse, Mumbai’s and Mumbai’s lower-order batters took the total to 149, ensuring a fighting chance in the final.
Mumbai’sMumbai’s Bowlers Deliver Under Pressure
Knowing that early wickets were key, Harmanpreet handed the new ball to Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver-Brunt, and they delivered instantly. Delhi’s hopes took an early blow when captain Meg Lanning, the most successful leader in women’s cricket, was bowled for 13 after failing to read Sciver-Brunt’s inswinging delivery. Shafali Verma followed soon after, departing for four runs in the power play.
Without a strong foundation, Delhi struggled to build a match-winning partnership. Jemimah Rodrigues attempted to anchor the innings, but Mumbai’s Mumbai spin trio—Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, and Saika Ishaque—kept the pressure on. Kerr dismissed Jess Jonassen, while Saika claimed the prized wicket of Annabel Sutherland.
Marizanne Kapp’sKapp’s Lone Resistance
While the top order crumbled, Marizanne Kapp stood firm, playing with calculated aggression. She took 17 runs off Saika Ishaque in the 17th over, briefly reviving Delhi’s hopes. However, as momentum seemed to shift, Sciver-Brunt struck again, dismissing Shikha Pandey. Her all-round performance proved to be the game-changer for Mumbai.
Sciver-Brunt Seals Mumbai’sMumbai’s Victory
With Delhi needing a strong finish, it all came down to the final overs. Sciver-Brunt, who had already contributed significantly with the bat, bowled a crucial last over to seal the victory. She dismissed key batters and ensured Mumbai maintained control, eventually securing an eight-run win.
Mumbai Indians lifted the trophy for the second time, reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in women’s IPL. Sciver-Brunt emerged as the hero of the night, delivering with both bat and ball, while Harmanpreet Kaur’sKaur’s leadership and Jhulan Goswami’sGoswami’s tactical expertise guided Mumbai to another championship triumph.
Delhi’sDelhi’s Wait for a Title Continues
Delhi Capitals reached the final for the third consecutive season but failed to clinch the title. Despite a strong squad, they couldn’t handle Mumbai’s experience and clutch performances in critical moments. Sourav Ganguly and his team will have to regroup and strategize for the next season, hoping to break their title drought finally.
As Mumbai celebrates another title, Delhi will reflect on what went wrong and how they can return stronger. The Women’sWomen’s IPL continues to grow, showcasing thrilling contests and world-class talent. The competition gets more brutal each season, and the quest for supremacy becomes even more intense.
