New Delhi: Mumbai Indians triumphed over Delhi Capitals by 8 runs to secure their second Women’s Premier League title at Brabourne Stadium on Saturday. Harmanpreet Kaur delivered a stunning performance on the big day, scoring a brilliant 66 off 44 balls, helping Mumbai Indians reach a competitive total of 149/7 despite lackluster contributions from other batters.
Although MI’s score seemed to fall 15 runs short of what was expected on a solid batting pitch, Delhi Capitals faltered under pressure, finishing with 141/9. Despite a late push from Marizanne Kapp and young Niki Prasad, DC couldn’t get over the line.
MI’s star, Nat Sciver-Brunt, played a pivotal role, dismissing DC captain Meg Lanning with an off-cutter and trapping Shafali Verma plumb in front with a delivery from Shabnim Ismail. This left DC with little chance to recover.
Jemimah Rodrigues (30 from 21 balls) and Marizanne Kapp (40 off 26 balls) tried to keep DC in the game, but their efforts fell short in the end. Harmanpreet’s leadership, backed by her vast experience, was crucial in rotating the bowlers effectively and preventing DC batters from settling.
The bowling attack, including Sciver-Brunt (3/30), Shabnim Ismail (1/15), Amelia Kerr (2/25 from 4 overs), and Saika Ishaque (1/33 from 4 overs), struck at key moments when DC looked poised for a comeback.
Earlier, MI’s innings saw Harmanpreet shift gears effortlessly. She began with a powerful pull shot off Annabel Sutherland, followed by three boundaries off left-arm spinner Jonassen. Her classy shots through the off-side were a highlight of the match.
Taking on DC’s top bowler, Jonassen, Harmanpreet forced the opposition to make a bowling change, but the change didn’t work. Sciver-Brunt (30 from 28 balls), the tournament’s top scorer, played a supporting role as Harmanpreet dominated, thrilling the Brabourne Stadium crowd with every stroke.
The two added 89 runs in just over 10 overs, but when Sciver-Brunt was dismissed by Charani trying to slog sweep, MI’s innings faltered. From a strong position at 103/3, MI lost three quick wickets, with Jonassen’s twin strikes increasing the pressure on Harmanpreet.
Kerr and Sajeevan Sajana fell cheaply, and Harmanpreet’s dismissal by Sutherland, trying one shot too many, left MI at 118/6. Though their score fell short of expectations, it proved to be enough to secure the win.
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