On Friday, February 28, the Delhi Capitals Women defeated the Mumbai Indians Women with ease in WPL 2025 Match No. 13. The attack by opener Shafali Verma (43 off 28) and Delhi skipper Meg Lanning (60 not-out off 49) made it relatively easy to chase the 124-run target set by Mumbai at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Harmanpreet Kaur appeared to be the most outstanding batswoman with her 22 off 16 balls as the Mumbai-based team amassed 123/9 in the first innings. Amanjot Kaur’s late appearance reduced them to a respectable total while the DC bowlers caused havoc. Jess Jonnasen took three vital wickets in the middle, helping the Capitals secure a significant victory in the end.
Talking Points
1. Jonassen send Sciver-Brunt, Kaur, Kamalini back
The left-arm spin of Jess Jonnassen was too hot to handle for the Mumbai side, as she finished with 4-0-25-3 in her spell at Chinnaswamy. She first got the big fish of Mumbai skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, followed by Nat Sciver-Brunt in the 14th over. Then finally in the 18th over, Jonassen returned to crash through the stumps of G Kamalini. She was also the pick of the bowlers for Delhi, and delivered a match-winning performance to set the tone right away. Jonassen also received Player of the Match for her exceptional spell.
2. Shafali finds form
After being sidelined from the national team, it was important for Shafali Verma to find some runs under her belt, and she did exactly that tonight. In the game where Delhi were desperate for a win to maintain dominance, it was Shafali who provided a blistering start to the target. She hit four beautiful boundaries and three huge sixes in her stint which lasted for 43 runs from 28 deliveries.
3. Delhi top the table
With a thumping win, Delhi dethroned Mumbai to sit at top of the WPL 2025 Points Table with eight points on the back of their fourth victory of the season. DC Women have now solidified their qualification scenario for the WPL 2025 Playoffs after registering a dominating win with nine wickets and 33 balls to spare. The Meg Lanning-led side will be playing Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and Gujarat Giants Women next, both of the games will be held in the Lucknow leg of the competition.
Who Said What?
Meg Lanning, Delhi Capitals and Winning Skipper, said
We wanted to come in and put all three facets together. Have had patches but had not been able to put it together. Our bowlers set it up nicely, we took wickets throughout, which really helps. We got the win tonight, very happy tonight and hopefully we can come back (and do the same tomorrow). We were a touch short in the first over, had to adjust our lengths, Kappie and Shikha did that very well.
Then Sutherland coming in through the middle, and shoutout to Minnu Mani – she has been brilliant all tournament. She has incredible skills, some good variations and real improvement from our whole team and from our Indian domestic players. (On the Sutherland catch) It was an incredible catch.
We speak about wanting to attack every ball that goes in the air. Crucial (catch) for us. (On the approach to chasing) Same as normal. Go out there and attack the powerplay. When you have Shafali at the other end, that makes it easy. Put them under pressure and keep it (that way). It was a great battle with Ismail. She has played a lot of cricket, I have played a lot of games. Love coming up against her, got a few away but those bouncers came at me pretty quick (smiles).
Harmanpreet Kaur, Mumbai Indians and Losing Skipper, said
Today was one of the days where nothing went according to us. We did not put up a decent total and could not hit the good length areas that we had discussed after the break. (On what went wrong with the batting) We struggled to score runs in the first six overs.
We got some rhythm in between but could not continue. That (score) was not enough and we were definitely short by 30-40 runs. In the last three games, we did everything right. Tonight, nothing went right. I would love to tell them (the team) to forget this day because the upcoming matches are important. Whenever we meet again, we want to take the positives and take it from there.
Jess Jonassen, Player of the Match (3/25), said
I think it is a bit of shock I am here, the skipper should be out here (collecting the POTM award). (On the first over she bowled) I mis-executed a few balls, changed the plan towards the back end of that over. Getting the ball outside the powerplay, I knew I would be able to put some pressure (on the batters). I am happy, pretty happy to hang on to a caught-and-bowled, having made a name for myself for not holding on (laughs).
The whole bowling group did an exceptional job. She (Mani) was incredible. An extremely talented bowler. Good for her to get an opportunity to come in and take important wickets. Had a few conversations on what lengths to bowl. The way she came back (towards the end) was amazing.
Jemimah Rodrigues, Delhi Capitals batter, said
We very badly needed this win. We have not been playing our best cricket but were managing wins. Good victory and we will take a lot of confidence (from this). We were talking about making our own energy. The catch Sutherland took, the stop Minnu made – good to see our team back. (On the message to DC’s opening pair) Just keep going.
Meg and Shafali, the understanding they have, it is tremendous to see. Meg being on the opposite side, she keeps telling Shafali to hit straight and that works for her. (On the floss celebration) It was due. A WPL season is not over without me doing it. The crowd was so energetic today, and (I) got pumped up. It was so cute to watch (fans trying to copy my floss celebration).
India
