The grand finale of season three of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is just a night away, mirroring an acquainted battle between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI), mirroring the clash in the finals of 2023.
With the DC girls eager to seek glory in redemption, MI will look to pocket their second crown, relying on their depth and experience in high-octane games. As the two heavyweights collide, cricket lovers can expect an electrifying contest that promises to be a fitting end to a memorable season.
Having fallen short in consecutive finals of Women’s Premier League, Delhi Capitals are hungry to turn the tables in their favour as they are eager to bag their maiden title. The team will face inaugural champions Mumbai Indians on Saturday at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium, hoping fortune favours them on the third chance.
Skipper Meg Lanning’s side put up a dominant show throughout the league games, securing five wins from eight matches while suffering three defeats. Their consistency saw them finish at the top of the table, becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs and soon registered their berth in the finale.
Addressing the media on eve of the grand finale and speaking about playing in a third consecutive final and about the team’s campaign this season, the inspirational captain said, “It’s really irrelevant what’s happened in the past, even what’s happened in the round games this year. They don’t count for anything. It’s about performing tomorrow night. We’re excited about the opportunity that we’ve given ourselves to go out there and play our best game for the tournament.”
The Capitals have delivered a well-rounded performance throughout the tournament, with different players stepping up to lead the team to victory at various stages. Reflecting on the campaign and their third consecutive final, Lanning emphasized that the team has consistently seen contributions from multiple players rather than relying on just one or two. She expressed confidence heading into the final, believing that regardless of who takes the lead on the day, the team will be capable of delivering a strong performance and putting Mumbai under pressure.
Opener Shafali Verma has responsibly held the lid-cork for the team, ably supporting Lanning who has had a hot-and-cold patch throughout the season. In 8 games, Verma has amassed 300 runs with an average of 42.85 and the runs have come thick and fast at a strike rate of 157.89.
Applauding her accompanist, Lanning said, “She’s been excellent for us. She’s got herself some really nice starts with the bat. She looks like she’s been really enjoying her cricket. A big smile on her face a lot of the time, which is always a good sign. She’s a very important part of our team, on and off the field. I’ve really loved seeing her do well, and no doubt she’s got big innings in her for tomorrow night.”
Sharing her experience of playing in India for Delhi Capitals, Lanning expressed her enjoyment of being part of the Women’s Premier League and the team. She described the competition as incredible and unique in many ways. However, she highlighted that her competitive spirit and desire to win have remained unchanged, regardless of the game or the team she represents. She emphasized her commitment to contributing to the team’s success by scoring as many runs as possible to help secure victories.
It all boils down to one game. One night, 40 overs, 22 cricketers putting in every aorta of their blood on the field, it couldn’t have gotten bigger and better to culminate season three of the Women’s Premier League.
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