Mumbai Indians defend their title as Delhi Capitals suffer third consecutive final heartbreak
Mumbai, March 16 – Meg Lanning’s Delhi Capitals once again fell short in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) final, suffering an 8-run defeat to Mumbai Indians on Saturday. This marks their third consecutive loss in a WPL final, with Harmanpreet Kaur’s Mumbai securing back-to-back titles.
“We just haven’t been able to perform in the final, which is disappointing, but that’s cricket,” said a dejected Lanning after another heartbreak for her team.
Delhi Capitals Crumble Under Pressure in Chase
Chasing 150, Delhi Capitals started off on the back foot, losing key wickets early.
🔹 Meg Lanning (13) and Shafali Verma (4) departed cheaply, leaving Delhi reeling at 37/3.
🔹 Jemimah Rodrigues (30) built some momentum, but her dismissal to Amelia Kerr (2/25) made things worse.
🔹 Sarah Bryce (5) was run out, reducing Delhi to 83/6 in 12.5 overs.
🔹 Marizanne Kapp (40) and Niki Prasad (25) fought back*, adding 40 runs, but Kapp’s dismissal to Nat Sciver-Brunt (3/30) sealed Delhi’s fate.
🔹 The tail couldn’t contribute, as Shikha Pandey (0) and Minnu Mani (4) fell in quick succession, leaving Delhi stranded at 141/9.
“One more partnership could have been enough, but Mumbai were just too good tonight,” Lanning admitted.
Harmanpreet’s Knock Guides Mumbai to 149/7
Earlier, Mumbai struggled at the start after Delhi won the toss and opted to field.
🔹 Marizanne Kapp (2/11) rattled the top order, dismissing Hayley Matthews (3) and Yastika Bhatia (8) early.
🔹 Harmanpreet Kaur (66 off 44) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (30) counterattacked, adding 89 crucial runs.
🔹 A late collapse saw Amelia Kerr (2), Sajeevan Sajana (0), and Harmanpreet depart in quick succession, but Amanjot Kaur (14) and Sanskriti Gupta (8) pushed Mumbai to 149/7**.
For Delhi Capitals, Jess Jonassen (2/26) and Shree Charani (2/43) provided key breakthroughs, but they couldn’t restrict Mumbai enough.
Mumbai Indians: The Dominant Force in WPL
With this win, Mumbai Indians became the first team to successfully defend their WPL title, while Delhi Capitals’ wait for their maiden championship continues.
“It’s tough to lose another final, but we’ll come back stronger,” Lanning said, vowing to break the streak next season.
As Mumbai celebrates another championship, the big question remains: Can Delhi finally overcome their final jinx?
Brief Scores:
🔹 Mumbai Indians: 149/7 (Harmanpreet Kaur 66, Nat Sciver-Brunt 30; Marizanne Kapp 2/11)
🔹 Delhi Capitals: 141/9 (Marizanne Kapp 40, Jemimah Rodrigues 30; Nat Sciver-Brunt 3/30)