February 28, 2025 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W) defeated the Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) by 12 runs in the 13th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The high-stakes clash at a packed Arun Jaitley Stadium saw Delhi defend their total of 168/6, thanks to disciplined bowling and a gritty half-century from Laura Wolvaardt. Mumbai’s chase fell short at 156/8 despite Harmanpreet Kaur’s valiant 58.
Toss and Team Decisions
Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning won the toss and opted to bat first. “The pitch looks good for batting, but we need to put runs on the board,” Lanning said. Mumbai, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, aimed to exploit Delhi’s middle-order vulnerabilities with spin-heavy tactics.
Delhi Capitals Innings: Wolvaardt Shines Amid Middle-Order Struggles
Openers Shafali Verma (22 off 18) and Laura Wolvaardt provided a steady start, adding 48 runs in 6.2 overs. Verma fell to a sharp catch by Amelia Kerr off medium-pacer Issy Wong. Wolvaardt anchored the innings, smashing 68 off 45 balls (9 fours, 1 six), while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 24 off 20.
Mumbai’s spinners, Amelia Kerr (2/32) and Saika Ishaque (1/28), slowed Delhi’s momentum. Lanning (12) and Marizanne Kapp (10) fell cheaply, but Alice Capsey’s late 14* off 8 balls lifted Delhi to 168/6.
Delhi Capitals Batting Highlights
| Player | Runs (Balls) | 4s/6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Wolvaardt | 68 (45) | 9/1 | c. Kerr b. Wong |
| Shafali Verma | 22 (18) | 3/0 | c. Kerr b. Ismail |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 24 (20) | 2/0 | st. Bhatia b. Kerr |
Mumbai Indians Chase: Kaur’s Fightback in Vain
Mumbai’s openers Hayley Matthews (18) and Yastika Bhatia (14) fell early to Shikha Pandey (3/28) and Marizanne Kapp (1/24). At 42/3 in 7 overs, Harmanpreet Kaur (58 off 38) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (27 off 22) rebuilt with a 76-run partnership. Kaur’s aggressive strokes kept Mumbai in contention until Radha Yadav dismissed her in the 17th over.
With 39 needed off 18 balls, Delhi’s death bowlers, Arundhati Reddy (1/23) and Jess Jonassen (1/29), held their nerve. Mumbai managed just 12 runs in the final two overs.
Mumbai Indians Batting Highlights
| Player | Runs (Balls) | 4s/6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 58 (38) | 7/2 | c. Reddy b. Yadav |
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | 27 (22) | 3/0 | lbw b. Pandey |
| Amelia Kerr | 12* (8) | 1/0 | Not Out |
Key Moments
Wolvaardt’s Dominance: Her 68-run knock included a 15-run over against Pooja Vastrakar.
Pandey’s Triple Strike: Dismissed Matthews, Bhatia, and Sciver-Brunt to derail Mumbai’s top order.
Kaur’s Dismissal: Radha Yadav’s flighted delivery ended Kaur’s resistance in the 17th over.
Post-Match Reactions
Meg Lanning (DC-W Captain): “Laura’s innings was special. Our bowlers executed plans perfectly under pressure.”
Harmanpreet Kaur (MI-W): “We lost momentum after my wicket. Need to finish better next time.”
Points Table Impact
Delhi Capitals moved to 3rd place with 4 points, while Mumbai Indians slipped to 5th. UP Warriorz lead the standings with 8 points.
Next Matches
Delhi Capitals: vs Gujarat Giants on March 1 (Delhi).
Mumbai Indians: vs Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 2 (Mumbai).
This thrilling encounter sets the stage for a tight race in the WPL 2025, with Delhi gaining crucial momentum.
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