Vadodara, India: In a thrilling Women’s Premier League (WPL) DC vs MI WPL 2025 Highlights, DC clinching victory on the final ball. The match, held at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, showcased exceptional performances from both sides, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
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Mumbai Indians Set a Competitive Total
Winning the toss, DC captain Meg Lanning opted to field first. MI’s innings began on a shaky note, losing opener Hayley Matthews early to a sharp catch by Lanning off Shikha Pandey’s bowling. This early setback put MI on the back foot. However, the experienced duo of Natalie Sciver-Brunt and captain Harmanpreet Kaur stabilized the innings. Sciver-Brunt played a masterful unbeaten knock of 80 runs off 59 balls, anchoring the innings. Kaur provided valuable support with a quickfire 42 off 22 deliveries, propelling MI to a total of 164 runs. DC’s bowlers, particularly Annabel Sutherland and Shikha Pandey, were instrumental in restricting MI. Sutherland claimed three wickets for 34 runs, while Pandey’s disciplined bowling fetched her two crucial wickets for just 14 runs.
Shafali Verma’s Explosive Start
Chasing 165, DC’s innings got off to a blazing start, thanks to opener Shafali Verma. She launched a fierce assault on the MI bowlers, scoring 43 runs off just 18 balls. Her innings included seven boundaries and two towering sixes, setting a solid foundation for DC. Despite Verma’s early fireworks, MI’s bowlers fought back. They managed to dismiss key DC batters, including captain Meg Lanning and Jemimah Rodrigues, in quick succession. This middle-order collapse left DC reeling at 76 for 4, bringing MI back into contention.
Niki Prasad’s Resilient Knock
Amid the pressure, young Niki Prasad showcased remarkable composure. The Under-19 World Cup-winning captain played a crucial innings, scoring 35 runs off 33 balls. Her partnership with Alice Capsey, who contributed 16 runs, steadied the DC innings during a critical phase. As the match approached its climax, the required run rate escalated. However, Sarah Bryce’s quickfire 21 off 10 balls brought DC closer to the target. Radha Yadav’s late cameo of 9 not out off 4 deliveries further tilted the balance in DC’s favor.
A Nail-Biting Finish
The final over was a testament to the unpredictability of cricket. With DC needing 10 runs, MI’s bowlers tightened the screws. The equation boiled down to 2 runs required off the last ball. Arundhati Reddy managed to squeeze the ball into the field, and a desperate sprint ensured DC crossed the finish line, securing a memorable victory.
Key Takeaways
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Natalie Sciver-Brunt’s Masterclass: Her unbeaten 80 anchored MI’s innings, showcasing her experience and skill.
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Shafali Verma’s Aggression: Her explosive start provided DC with the momentum needed in the chase.
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Niki Prasad’s Maturity: The young batter’s composed innings under pressure was pivotal in DC’s victory.
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Effective Bowling Performances: Annabel Sutherland and Shikha Pandey’s disciplined bowling played a crucial role in restricting MI to a chaseable total.
Conclusion
The DC vs. MI clash in WPL 2025 will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in the tournament’s history. Both teams exhibited exceptional skill and tenacity, but it was the Delhi Capitals who emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish. Such matches not only elevate the stature of the WPL but also inspire young cricketers worldwide.
