WPL 2025 Final: DC vs MI: Key matchups to look out for in the WPL Final
WPL 2025 Final: DC vs MI: Key matchups to look out for in the WPL Final
Delhi Capitals (DC) is all set to face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Final on Saturday, at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
The Capitals have made it to their third straight final while the inaugural champion MI comes on the back of a thumping victory against Gujarat Giants in the eliminator.
MI would like to add one more to its trophy cabinet but DC would be confident as it did the double over MI earlier this season.
Here are some key matchups to look out for ahead of the summit clash:
DC skipper Meg Lanning against South African pacer Shabnim Ismail will be an intriguing battle to watch out for, especially at the start of the innings. As Lanning is known for her starts and the foundation she lays for her side, Ismail has been the go-to-bowler to provide breakthroughs in all facets of the game. Ismail has dismissed Lanning twice in the WPL.
The battle between the duo of Shikha Pandey and Marizanne Kapp against MI’s top order (Yastika Bhatia, Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt) has had a huge impact in the WPL. Kapp has dismissed Yastika twice and Hayley and Sciver-Brunt once while Shikha has dismissed Yastika and Hayley twice and Sciver-Brunt once. This could be a match-defining battle in the final.
The top two leading wicket-takers against DC in the middle overs is another key matchup to look forward to ahead of the final. Matthews (17 wickets) and Amelia Kerr (16 wickets) have been impressive in the way they have operated and controlled the middle phase of the game.
Matthews has dismissed Shefali Verma (twice), Alice Capsey, Jess Jonassen over the three seasons while Kerr has also dismissed Jemimah Rodrigues, Capsey and Marizanne Kapp (twice). These battles in the middle overs will also be crucial ones to watch.
