In the second Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 match, Delhi Capitals won a heart-stopping game against Mumbai Indians by a mere 2 wickets in the final ball.
The Saturday match was an emotional roller-coaster, with both sides taking turns to gain and lose momentum during the game. The high drama of the final over, coupled with a disputed umpire call, contributed to the suspense and tension that made this match unforgettable.
Mumbai Indians’ Innings: A Strong Start, but No Support
Choosing to field first, Delhi Capitals managed to restrict Mumbai Indians to a total of 164 runs in 19.1 overs. Despite a brilliant individual performance from Nat Sciver-Brunt, who scored an unbeaten 80 runs off 59 balls, Mumbai’s batting faltered as the middle and lower order failed to contribute effectively.
Sciver-Brunt’s innings consisted of 13 boundaries, some of which were crisp shots through the covers. She was ably supported by Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored a fast-paced 42 runs off 22 balls, comprising three fours and a six
The two big-hitting batswomen shared a 73-run third-wicket stand in only 40 balls, providing Mumbai Indians with the hopes of posting a fighting score. But once Harmanpreet Kaur went, the middle order collapsed.
Delhi bowlers staged an impressive comeback and picked up eight wickets for only 59 runs, and MI was skittled out for 164 runs in 19.1 overs.
Shikha Pandey’s Major Contribution to the Ball
Shikha Pandey was Delhi’s pick of the bowlers, producing a gem of performance with the ball. She picked up two wickets for a mere 14 runs. Pandey got rid of both Mumbai’s openers early in the innings: Hayley Matthews (0) and Yastika Bhatia (11). Her early strikes were instrumental in getting Mumbai on the back foot.
In spite of a solid partnership between Sciver-Brunt and Kaur, Pandey’s tight bowling during the powerplay kept MI’s run rate in check.
Another significant contribution came from Minnu Mani, who bowled economically, taking one wicket for 23 runs. However, some of the other Delhi bowlers proved expensive, allowing Mumbai to accumulate runs during the middle overs. Alice Capsey, for instance, conceded 19 runs in one over, which gave Mumbai’s middle order some breathing space.
Delhi Capitals’ Chase: A Rollercoaster Ride
In response to Mumbai’s total, Delhi Capitals had a solid start, with Shefali Verma leading the charge. She played a scintillating knock of 43 runs off 18 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes, which set the tone for the chase.
Delhi managed to score 60 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket, with Shefali’s aggressive batting taking center stage. Her blistering start seemed to put the team on course for an easy victory.
But the match turned dramatic as Delhi Capitals lost four wickets for only 16 runs. Mumbai Indians staged a strong comeback, and the Delhi batters were put under pressure. Despite this loss, Nikki Prasad played a calm knock, scoring an unbeaten 27 runs to take her team to the finish line.
A Thrilling Last Over: Delhi Wins by 2 Wickets
The last over of the match became a thriller of sorts, as Delhi Capitals required 21 runs from the remaining 12 balls, with four wickets remaining. The platform was laid for an edge-of-the-seat finish.
Radha Yadav, who was batting at number nine, hit a vital six in the over, and Nikki Prasad hit a boundary next. But just when Delhi appeared to be reaching the target, Nikki was out on the fifth ball of the over. With Arundhati Yadav at the wicket, she had to hit two runs off the last ball to win the match.
In a contentious moment, a possible run-out at the striker’s end created controversy among fans and commentators. Nikki Yadav, the non-striker, seemed to have her bat outside the crease when the wicketkeeper dislodged the stumps.
The third umpire declared her not out, even though the keeper had shattered the stumps prior to Nikki’s bat being within the crease, and the bails did not dislodge.
This decision led to an uproar on social media, as many believed the run-out should have been given. Regardless, Delhi Capitals managed to win the match in a last-ball thriller, securing victory by just 2 wickets.
Sciver-Brunt’s Heroic Effort and Mumbai’s Missed Opportunities
Even with the loss, Nat Sciver-Brunt delivered a match-winning knock for Mumbai, but she failed to get support from the other batters, so she could not take her team to a higher score. The absence of partnerships throughout the match was a prime reason behind the downfall of Mumbai.
On the other hand, Harmanpreet Kaur’s aggressive innings of 42 runs was another highlight for Mumbai, but her dismissal in the 14th over was a turning point. With wickets falling from the other end, Mumbai struggled to capitalize on the strong foundation set by Sciver-Brunt and Kaur.
Controversial Ending and Delhi’s Victory
The match between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in WPL 2025 was filled with excitement, tension, and controversy. Delhi’s chase of 164 runs was a dramatic rollercoaster, with momentum shifting back and forth between the teams. The last-ball thriller, coupled with a controversial umpire decision, left fans and players on edge.
In the end, Delhi Capitals won by 2 wickets, securing victory in a game that will be remembered for the high drama, explosive innings, and thriller finish.
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