Delhi Capitals delivered a dominant performance to claim the top spot in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 standings, crushing inaugural winners Mumbai Indians by nine wickets in match no. 13. Their sublime display left no room for questions as they outclassed their opponents across all departments. With this emphatic victory, Delhi continued their impressive run in the tournament, showcasing their depth and consistency. The win also sent a strong message to the other teams, reaffirming their status as serious title contenders.
Minnu Mani of the Delhi Capitals bolted an incredible spell of 3/17, ably partnered by Player of the Match Jess Jonassen which choked the opposition under tremendous pressure.
On a complete all-round performance from the team, she said, “I think we did well in all the departments, and it was actually a complete team DC effort.”
On the team’s conversations after last-over finishes, Mani said that they always keep things simple and follow the same approach in every match. She mentioned that whatever plans they make, they ensure proper execution on the ground. According to her, it was the same as always, with nothing new.
On her learnings from other spinners in the Delhi Capitals team, she said that they were all very helpful because, compared to the first and second year, her bowling had improved a lot. They also helped her bowl according to the situation and the batters, guiding her on the right length, line, and when to make changes. She learned these aspects from them, and they taught her how to manage the game effectively.
Table-toppers Delhi Capitals will lock horns against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 1, playing successively after a win against the Mumbai Indians. On playing back-to-back games, “Not at all worried. We are just going match by match.”
Minnu Mani shared her admiration for stalwart Meg Lanning, who is one of the most legendary captains in cricket, and that she learns new things from her. She added that Lanning is always helpful to all the players on and off the field. Whenever they discuss something or ask her questions, she always has a lot of ideas and insights to share.
On her bowling partnership with Jess Jonassen who spun a web around the Indians’ batter, the off spinner said, “It’s been a very special time with her. She was telling me how the wicket is behaving and what kind of balls will be effective on a particular pitch.”
Pacer Shabnim Ismail was at the helm answering the questions of the media.
“Obviously we never had enough runs on the board. We know that DC played really well today. They were good in all areas. Not a lot of negatives to take and have positives as well, we take them into the next game. One bad day does not mean we have a bad team, but we know what we need to do going forward and hopefully we can do that in the next game.”
On bowling during the power play overs and encountering the dew factor, Ismail said that the dew plays a major role in either team’s batting or bowling first. She noted that teams bowling first tend to win 99% of the time. However, she emphasised that losing the toss today did not mean anything and that when they reach the semifinals or finals, they should be prepared to perform well in any situation.
On the importance of bowling in the power play overs, where dew hasn’t been a factor in Bengaluru, the pacer said that they knew the dew was not going to be much of a factor yet. Whether batting or bowling, the first six overs are always crucial.
For batters, it is important to capitalise since only two fielders are outside the circle. There is also a lot of movement up front with the opening bowlers. However, they need to capitalise because that is what they practice behind the scenes. It is important for them to go out there, execute their plans, and stay committed, even though they may not always succeed.
On the bowling plans against the Capitals opener is a small run-chase, Ismail acknowledged, “We may not always take wickets in the power play, but we tried to get them down to five or four runs an over. They have got two world-class openers in the form Meg Lanning and Shefali Verma. Like we have got Yastika Bhatia and obviously Healy Matthews. But we did not have enough runs on the board, and we will try to do better in the next game.”
During the second leg at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, teams chasing have emerged victorious in 6 games out of 7 encounters. On better win percentage for teams in Bengaluru, the South-African pacer said, “It was easier for us to bowl first. We know what the wicket is doing as well and is also assisting the batters as a game goes on, and that just puts a bit of a much more positive vibe into obviously going into bat.”
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