The 2023 champions Mumbai Indians will take on Delhi Capitals in the second match of the third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on February 15, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
The fixture has produced some unforgettable moments in the past, from Mumbai’s victory in the inaugural WPL final to Sajeevan Sajana’s last-ball six that stole the show. Across five previous meetings, Mumbai has the edge with three wins, while Delhi has triumphed twice. With both teams stacked with world-class players, let’s dive into the top fantasy picks for this blockbuster clash.
Wicketkeeper:
Yastika Bhatia
Bhatia returns to action after recovering from an injury, eager to make an impact. The Emerging Cricketer of the Year in the 2023 edition, she has proven her worth in the WPL, amassing 418 runs from 18 matches with the best score of 57. On the international stage, she has featured in 19 T20Is for India, scoring 214 runs with a top knock of 36. Her ability to provide stability at the top makes her a valuable fantasy pick.
Batters:
Meg Lanning
The former Australian skipper is a legend of the game, having led her national team to numerous titles. A veteran of 132 T20Is, she piled up 3,405 runs, including a career-best unbeaten 133. In the WPL, she has been a dominant force, clinching the Orange Cap in the inaugural season with 345 runs in nine matches and following it up with 331 runs in the second edition. Expect her to be a major threat with the bat.
Shafali Verma
Despite recently losing her spot in the Indian T20I squad, Shafali remains one of the most explosive batters in the league. She has racked up 561 runs in 18 WPL matches at a staggering strike rate of 168.46, with a highest score of 84. In her last T20I World Cup outing, she registered scores of 2, 32, 43, and 20. Across 85 T20Is, she has 2,045 runs to her name, including the best of 81, at a strike rate of 129.10. Her all-round ability adds to her fantasy value.
Jemimah Rodrigues
A consistent performer across multiple leagues worldwide, Jemimah has played 107 T20Is, accumulating 2,267 runs with a top score of 76. In the WPL, she has featured in 18 matches, scoring 361 runs with a best of 69*. She has also impressed in overseas leagues, including the WBBL (644 runs in 30 matches), WCPL (105 runs in 5 matches), and The Hundred (453 runs in 19 matches). Her experience and adaptability make her a reliable fantasy pick.
Harmanpreet Kaur
The Indian skipper has been a powerhouse in the WPL, scoring 549 runs in 17 matches with the top score of 95*. Though she missed the recent T20I series against West Indies due to injury, she remains India’s most capped T20I player, having played 178 matches and scoring 3,589 runs, including the only century by an Indian woman in T20Is (103). Her part-time bowling adds further value to her selection.
All-rounders:
Hayley Matthews
The West Indies captain is in outstanding form, having delivered impactful performances in recent T20Is. Her last five outings include scores of 1, 85*, 22, 60*, and 27, along with crucial contributions with the ball. In 106 T20Is, she has amassed 2,651 runs with the highest score of 132, while also bagging 108 wickets, with the best of 4/10. Her WPL record is equally impressive, with 451 runs and 23 wickets in 19 matches.
Nat Sciver-Brunt
One of the most well-rounded all-rounders in the world, Sciver-Brunt has played 132 T20Is for England, scoring 2,789 runs with a best of 82 and claiming 90 wickets with a best of 4/15. She has been instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ success, scoring 504 runs and taking 20 wickets in 19 WPL matches. Her ability to perform under pressure makes her a crucial fantasy pick.
Marizanne Kapp
A key asset for Delhi Capitals, Kapp has played 113 T20Is for South Africa, scoring 1,622 runs with a top score of 75 and taking 88 wickets, with the best of 4/6. In the WPL, she has been a match-winner with both bat and ball, having scored 256 runs and picked up 20 wickets in 16 matches, including a stunning 5/15.
Melie Kerr
Named the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024, Kerr has been a standout performer across multiple tournaments. In 19 WPL matches, she has scored 364 runs (best: 45*) and taken 22 wickets (best: 4/17). She recently dominated the Super Smash, topping the charts with 441 runs in 12 matches. Her T20I numbers are equally remarkable, with 1,296 runs and 93 wickets in 85 games.
Annabel Sutherland
Though her WPL record isn’t extraordinary (55 runs and 4 wickets in 8 matches), Sutherland’s recent red-ball and 50-over performances have been exceptional. In T20Is, she has scored 157 runs and taken 32 wickets in 42 matches. Her WBBL experience (99 matches, 1,332 runs, and 89 wickets) makes her a player to watch out for.
Bowler:
Shabnim Ismail
The 36-year-old South African speedster remains one of the most lethal pacers in the game. In 113 T20Is, she has taken 123 wickets at an average of 18.62, with the best of 5/12. Her WPL journey has been impactful, claiming 11 wickets in 10 matches with the best of 3/18. Having played across multiple leagues, including the WBBL (61 wickets in 70 matches), WCPL (16 wickets in 9 matches), and The Hundred (24 wickets in 27 matches), she brings vast experience and firepower to the bowling attack.
With an exciting mix of star performers and emerging talents, this Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals clash promises to be a true test of skill and temperament, with seasoned veterans and young guns eager to leave their mark.
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