Exciting cricket, strong rivalry, and spectacular events have all found a stage in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). For the Delhi Capitals (DC), the competition has been a mixed-bag ride instead. DC has failed in the finals each time, even though they had dominated the league stages for three straight seasons.
The 2025 final against the Mumbai Indians (MI) was no different, as the Capitals endured another heartbreaking defeat. Many cricket fans followed the thrilling action closely through platforms like the Bpexch App, which provided live updates and match insights. This article dives into the team’s journey, the critical moments of the final, and the lessons they must learn to raise the prized trophy ultimately.
The Balance of Anticipations
Delhi Capitals entered the WPL 2025 final as favorites, having topped the league stage for the third year. Jemimah Rodrigues, Shefali Verma, Meg Lanning, and Marizanne Kapp were among the stars on a team bursting with confidence. However, the strain of a final can be harsh, and DC’s batting unit buckled under the weight of expectations.
Chasing a modest score of 150, DC’s top order failed early, losing wickets at regular intervals. The scoreboard painted a gloomy tale: 17 for 2, 44 for 4, 66 for 5, and 83 for 6. Despite a valiant effort from Marizanne Kapp, who scored a quickfire 40 off 26 balls, the Capitals fell short by eight runs. It was a familiar narrative for the squad, which has now lost three consecutive WPL championships.
The Batting Collapse: A Recurring Nightmare
DC’s lack of post- or chase-competitive totals has been one of their most obvious flaws in the finals. The team decided to set a goal for the 2023 and 2024 finals but turned out with below-average marks. This time, skipper Meg Lanning elected to chase, hoping to prevent a repeat of prior blunders. Still, the choice backfired when the batting lineup fell short.
Early dismissals of Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues set the tone for a poor innings. Mumbai Indians’ bowlers deserve praise for their disciplined effort; DC’s hitters appeared to suffer with the weight of the occasion. DC head coach Jonathan Batty admitted the team’s flaws but refrained from linking them to a mental block.
“The players were up for it, they were fine, and I think there was no mental block at all,” Batty added. “But it’s simply full credit to the opposition; they outplayed us and deserved to win the game.”
The Bright Spots: Kapp and the Bowling Team
Delhi Capitals had a few positives, even with their batting collapse. The team stayed in the hunt thanks to Marizanne Kapp’s aggressive innings; her all-around performance across the competition was priceless. The bowling team also did well, limiting Mumbai Indians to 149 on a pitch where 180 was considered standard.
Kapp’s first spell established the tone for DC’s bowling effort; the squad maintained composure during Harmanpreet Kaur’s middle-overs attack. MI’s innings revolved mostly around Kaur’s 40-ball 55, but DC’s bowlers made sure the target stayed within grasp.
“I thought Harmanpreet targeted us,” Batty remarked. “We bowled nicely, and she ventured a few times and got away. Coming out of the powerplay, we were in charge of the game. It was a really good effort to lower our overall goal in the end.”
The Mumbai Indians’ Masterclass
While DC’s performance was far from perfect, credit must be given to the Mumbai Indians for their clinical display. Harmanpreet Kaur’s batting strength and leadership guided MI to their second WPL triumph. The team’s ability to hold its nerve in crunch moments has been a hallmark of its success.
MI’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly, with tight lines and subtle variations holding DC’s hitters in check. In the final two overs, they gave just 14 runs, demonstrating their coolness under pressure.
The Road Delhi Capitals Will Travel
Learning from their mistakes and returning stronger will now be challenges for Delhi Capitals. Although the squad has regularly performed well in the league, it has failed when most counts. The key to their success in the next season will be addressing the batting flaws and learning to manage pressure in the finals.
Batty still sees great possibilities for the team. “We have played some fantastic cricket to finish top of the table three years running,” he remarked. “You never cross the line until [you win] the last. Everyone’s hurting a lot now, but we’ll reorganize and return stronger.”
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Final Thoughts
The Delhi Capitals’ journey in the WPL has been a narrative of near-misses and unfulfilled potential. The team is a league powerhouse, but the elusive trophy keeps eluding their hands. The 2025 final was another reminder of the narrow margins that divide win from failure in cricket.
