As the stakes reach their pinnacle in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, the stage is set for an electrifying playoff stage that promises to captivate fans across the nation.
Delhi Capitals
At the forefront of this thrilling finale is the formidable Delhi Capitals, who have secured their spot in the final for an unprecedented third consecutive year. Under the inspired leadership of Meg Lanning, Delhi has proven unstoppable, their consistency and skill cementing their position as favorites to claim the title.
The Meg Lanning-led side came in the ongoing 3rd edition of the WPL, with a determined spirit and a strong willingness to go one step further and clinch the elusive title in the tournament. The Capitals finished the tournament as the runners-up of the tournament in the first couple of editions in 2023, and 2024.
Yet again in the 3rd edition of the WPL, the Delhi Capitals finished at the top of the points table with 10 points from 8 games, which includes five victories and three defeats, coming against the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), UP Warriorz (UPW), and Gujarat Giants (GG).
The 21-year-old youngster Shafali Verma is leading the run-scoring charts for the Delhi Capitals as she has notched up 300 runs at a strike rate of 157.89 and an average of 42.85 in eight innings which includes one half-century in the 3rd edition of the tournament so far, including the high score of 80*. On the bowling front, Jess Jonassen has topped the bowling charts for the Capitals as she has picked up 11 wickets at an average of 19 and an economy of 8.19 in seven innings with the ball which includes a four-wicket haul in the 3rd edition of the tournament.
Mumbai Indians
The inaugural champions Mumbai Indians, spearheaded by the dynamic Harmanpreet Kaur, have vaulted into second place on the table in the league stages of the WPL 2025, with an impressive showing – 5 wins from 8 games, losing twice to Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their last game. This sets the stage for a riveting Eliminator, where Mumbai’s prowess will be put to the test against a rejuvenated Gujarat Giants led by skipper Ashleigh Gardner.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side would be keen to upset the status quo and advance further to clinch their 2nd title in the tournament on 15th March 2025 (Saturday). The spin duo of Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews are at the forefront of their bowling attack as they are also currently the joint highest wicket-takers with the ball in the tournament with 14 wickets at an average of 16.71 and 17.07 and an economy of 8.06 and 7.96 respectively. Amelia Kerr became the first Mumbai Indians bowler to pick up a five-wicket haul in WPL history.
On the batting front, Nat Sciver-Brunt became the first player to breach the 400-run mark in a single WPL season and is currently the leading run-scorer in the 3rd edition of the tournament with 416 runs at an impressive strike rate of 151.82, and an incredible average of 69.33 in 8 innings with the bat so far. Her tally of runs includes four half-centuries so far for her side.
Gujarat Giants
Meanwhile, one of the most compelling narratives unfolding this season is the remarkable resurgence of Gujarat Giants. Led by the indomitable Ashleigh Gardner, they have orchestrated a breathtaking turnaround, transforming from strugglers to playoff contenders in a dramatic metamorphosis. Their debut in the playoffs marks a significant milestone and highlights their determination and resilience.
The Giants are having one of the best campaigns in the WPL this year, with a 3rd place finish in the points table in the league stages of the tournament with 8 points from 8 games, which includes four victories, that included a hat-trick of wins for the first time and as many as four defeats in their campaign in the 3rd edition in 2025.
The Giants will be up against the Inaugural champions Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator on 13th March 2025 (Thursday). The Giants, led by Ashleigh Gardner and guided by Michael Klinger, would be eager to battle against the odds that are heavily stacked against them, aiming for the first victory against the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side with a head-to-head record extending to 6-0 against Mumbai Indians following their defeat in their last league game of the season. It’s going to be a big opportunity for the Giants to secure their maiden appearance in the WPL final and potentially clinch their maiden silverware in the competition.
Skipper Ashleigh Gardner is the leading run-scorer for her side and the 5th highest run-scorer of the tournament with 235 runs at a sensational strike rate of 163.19 and an impressive average of 33.57 in eight innings which includes three half-centuries so far for the franchise in the 3rd edition of the tournament. As far as the bowling department is concerned, the 21-year-old youngster Kavshee Gautam is spearheading the bowling attack with 10 wickets at an average of 17 and an economy of 6.29 in eight innings with the ball for the Gujarat Giants so far.
As the spotlight shifts to the historic Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, anticipation is building for the knockout matches that will decide the ultimate champion. The air is alive with excitement as cricket enthusiasts from around the world tune in to witness the culmination of a thrilling season. With these powerhouse teams set to clash, the stage is primed for an unforgettable climax to the Women’s Premier League 2025, promising spectators a feast of skill, drama, and unbridled passion.
Loves all things female cricket
