This time last year, Mumbai Indians players were in tears after losing the Eliminator to eventual Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in New Delhi. However, MI players’ grins returned on Saturday night when they defeated Delhi Capitals by eight runs at the Brabourne Stadium to capture their second WPL title.
MI’s victory was set up by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who timed and placed her shots perfectly to top-score with 66 as the hosts produced 149/7 on a new ground. In defence of 150, Nat Sciver-Brunt took 3-30, including the wicket of Marizanne Kapp, and Amelia Kerr took 2-25 as MI held DC to 141/9 in 20 overs to win the WPL 2025.
“Because we’ve won before, people may have higher expectations.” But we’d played big games before, so it didn’t feel like (an entirely different event). Our team meetings are basic. They had triumphed before us, but this was a new day and a new match. We have good depth, and we would not give this game to someone else to win,” said all-rounder Amanjot Kaur.
“As soon as we hit that number, we knew we were going to win. I was confident in my squad. I’ve been playing cricket for ten years, so it didn’t feel like my first time. “I want to feel this (winning feeling) every time,” said all-rounder Sanskriti Gupta.
Amelia, who won the T20 World Cup for New Zealand last year, was overjoyed to win another WPL trophy with MI. “It’s been a terrific year for me, quite remarkable. I’m excited to share the dressing room with some fantastic people. When all is said and done, you’re celebrating with wonderful people.” “She (Kamalini) has been amazing. That is the beauty of this competition: you will witness so many people come through and perform on the big stage. Both are excellent players, world-class in their respective fields, and it is a pleasure to contribute.”
Kamalini, who won the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup with India in February, was also ecstatic to win the WPL for the first time. “I was a little scared, but I really enjoyed hitting. My family would have also liked it. It was my first six, so it was quite exciting. They all fielded like tigers. (On her learnings) In the WPL, I learnt a lot about mental health.”
The wicketkeeper-batter, Yastika Bhatia, said she was enjoying the great experience of winning the WPL in front of 14,700 home supporters. “There’s no finer feeling than performing in front of one’s home crowd. I enjoy competing against the game’s greats and consider myself fortunate to have them on my team because I do not have to face them.”
Sajeevan Sajana, a hard-hitting all-rounder, dedicated her title win to the support staff led by head coach Charlotte Edwards. “I’m incredibly pleased and happy to be a part of this family. They continue to encourage one another, and the energy both on and off the pitch is incredible.”
“We did not make it (last season), but this season, we prepared properly, and a lot of hard work went into it behind the scenes, so we have to award this trophy to everyone who worked for us. I am really proud of myself, but I want to encourage others who look up to me to stay positive and never give up, even if others attempt to bring you down. “Keep believing in yourself and working.”
Jhulan Goswami, MI bowling coach, was proud of the performances put in by Shabnim and Nat, who ended WPL 2025 as the leading run-getter. “What a brilliant performance. When the team needed it, to come and produce a performance like this. She (Shabnim) is a fighter, she wants to lead from the front. That is what we want as a group.”
“When you are in the dugout, you cannot be calm, but you have to pretend to be calm. We needed wickets in the powerplay, and that was the clear message. When that happened, we felt we were in a position to control the game, and that made our dugout absolutely calm,” she said.
“I was amazed by Nat’s commitment. We all know her partner (former England pacer Katherine Sciver-Brunt) is pregnant. Coming here, taking leadership, and dominating is not easy. And those young people who delivered outstanding performances for us.”
When asked about her coaching connection with Charlotte, Jhulan replied, “It began after retirement, working with her. It was a fantastic learning experience, and I was constantly learning new things. She is a highly tactical lady who constantly keeps me on her toes. When we played as opponents, we learnt from her approach and leadership, and we’re attempting to do the same here.”
“This team has a lot of potential. We have depth in the batting, a number of international stars, and a lot of talented young players – it’s a well-balanced team, and it’s vital to keep them focused and allow them space to enjoy their game.”
Nita Ambani, the owner of the MI team, showered appreciation on the club for winning the title again. “Sitting in the dugout, my heart was just beating…but I had complete faith in my kids. Unstoppable! They fought until the final ball. Nat has been exceptional this season, and the three wickets she took were great.”
“That batting by Harman, the skipper, oh my goodness…If you look at our dugout, there was never a calm moment; they were clapping and cheering, which I believe kept them going. “Two titles in three years.”
“Why just my girls? If you support and empower any girl child, watch how far they can go. I am the proud owner of the Mumbai Indians today. As a franchise, we want to empower young females via sports. Education and sports are inextricably linked, and parents must allow their daughters to participate.”
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