Mumbai Indians Beat Delhi Capitals To Win Inaugural Women's Premier League

Mumbai Indians broke into jubilant celebrations with players rushing into the field amid the fireworks at the stadium. The one that however went viral was the telling reaction of Rohit Sharma, the captain of the men's MI team, and his side's act of gold after Harmanpreet and Co.'s historic win.

Mumbai Indians deservingly emerged as the champions of the first-ever edition of the Women's Premier League after the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side won in the run chase in the final over against Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday night. They dominated in both departments before Nat Sciver-Brunt scored the winning boundary with just three balls to spare. Mumbai Indians broke into jubilant celebrations with players rushing into the field amid the fireworks at the stadium. The one that however went viral was the telling reaction of Rohit Sharma, the captain of the men's MI team, and his side's act of gold after Harmanpreet and Co.'s historic win.

After Issy Wong and Hayley Matthews, who combined to pick six wickets between themselves, helped Mumbai restrict Delhi Capitals, who were the first team to have qualified for the final after having finished top of the league table, to 131 for nine. Captain Meg Lanning was the top scorer for the side with a 29-ball 35, which did help her secure the Orange Cap but failed to find able assistance throughout her stay.

Mumbai did not start the chase well with opener Yastika Bhatia departing in just the second over while Matthews was dismissed in the fourth. Skipper Harmanpreet and Sciver-Brunt then stitched a valiant 72-run knock against a disciplined Delhi bowling attack.

An unfortunate run-out saw Harmanpreet walk back for 37 off 39, but Melie Kerr supported Sciver-Brunt in her act as Mumbai held nerves in the final over to seal the historic win.

Following the conclusion of WPL 2023, we look back at the top three catches of the season:

Radha Yadav - Delhi Capitals

Radha Yadav took a fantastic catch to dismiss Deepti Sharma in match number five of WPL 2023 between Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz (UPW) at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai.

Delhi batted first and put up an imposing 211/4 on the board as skipper Meg Lanning top-scored with 70 off 42, while Jess Jonassen hammered 42* off 20.

In the chase, UP was struggling at 71/3 after 10 overs. Yadav then produced a stunning fielding effort to reduce the Warriorz to 71/4.

The first ball of the 11th over, bowled by Shikha Pandey, was struck flat and hard by Sharma toward long-on. The ball was dipping on the fielder, but Yadav decided to charge in and put in the dive to complete a superb catch to send Sharma on her way for 12 off 20 balls.

DC dominated the WPL match and registered a comprehensive 42-run win despite Tahlia McGrath’s blazing knock of 90* in 50 balls, an inning that featured 11 fours and four sixes.

For Delhi, Jonassen claimed 3/43, while Marizanne Kapp and Pandey picked up one wicket each.

Jemimah Rodrigues - Delhi Capitals

Jemimah Rodrigues is one of the swiftest movers on the cricket field among Indian women players. Her skills were on display during match number seven of WPL 2023 between Delhi and Mumbai - the first meeting between the two sides.

DC lost the game by eight wickets, but Rodrigues’ spectacular diving effort to dismiss Hayley Matthews (32) was one of the moments of the match.

Chasing 106, the Mumbai Indians were cruising at 77/1 in the 12th over. Matthews then attempted to slog a tossed-up delivery from Alice Capsey outside off-stump.

However, she failed to get her timing right and only managed to slice the ball up in the air. Rodrigues came running in from long-on and dived forward to pull off a ripper. Even as she slid forward after completing the catch, the fielder ensured that she did not let the ball come out of her hand.

Following Matthews’ dismissal, Sciver-Brunt (23*) guided Mumbai home to victory by eight wickets in 15 overs. Yastika Bhatia (41 off 32) top-scored for Mumbai in the chase.

Earlier, Saika Ishaque, Matthews, and Issy Wong claimed three scalps each to clean up Delhi for 105 in 18 overs.

Harmanpreet Kaur - Mumbai Indians

In match number 15 of WPL 2023, Mumbai skipper Harmanpreet produced a sensational fielding effort, which was picked as the catch of the tournament.

MI was bowled out for 127 in exactly 20 overs after being asked to bat first by UPW as Sophie Ecclestone claimed three wickets, while Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad picked up two apiece.

Defending a small total, Mumbai needed to pick up early wickets to stay in the game. Harmanpreet led from the front, taking a brilliant catch to dismiss UPW opener Devika Vaidya at the start of the second over.

Off-spinner Matthews bowled a flighted delivery outside off stump, inviting Devika to go for the drive. The left-hander took the bait, but only managed a thick edge. Harmanpreet, at slip, showed superb reflexes and dived to her right to grab a one-handed stunner.

The excellent catch did not hurt UPW as they went on to register an impressive win by five wickets. Tahlia McGrath (38) and Grace Harris (39) set up the chase, while Sharma (13*) and Ecclestone (16*) added the finishing touches.

“Great experience, we were waiting for so many years. Everyone enjoyed this throughout the dressing room. It feels like a dream, for everyone here. So many people were asking when WPL will come and that day is here, and we are so happy and proud. I think having a long batting line-up, we had to go there and express ourselves. Very happy with how everyone performed. I think staying positive is key, we were lucky with full tosses going in our favour. This is a special moment for all of us. I have been waiting a long time and today I know what it feels like to be winning (laughs). Great experience and waiting for next year. (On coaches) We keep talking about being positive, and we executed our plans really well and that's the reason I'm standing here today.”

Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur

“We would have loved to win but full credit to MI. They deserve it but full credit to our group's efforts. We didn't really set a target, we wanted to put a few more. We didn't bat at our best but this competition has shown you can keep going till the end, and then you never know. Very good effort from the bowlers. We did well in the first 10 overs, got early wickets but Harmanpreet and Sciver-Brunt took the game away, they batted very well. I have enjoyed playing spin, and enjoyed my experience with DC. Everyone responsible at this franchise, made us feel very welcome. A massive thank you to them.”

Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning

“Happy to contribute, being able to do things with both bat and ball. Continuously trying to improve and the conditions help my off-spin. Important to take back the award but more happy to win with Mumbai Indians. Whichever is better on that day.”

Most Valuable Player: Hayley Matthews (271 runs & 16 wickets)

“It was very special. Glad I was able to stick it out when the pressure was on. I was trying to get quite tough and Harman and Melie took the pressure off me. I knew if I stayed till the end we'd get through. We gave away too many in the final 3-4 overs, but it made the game interesting. (Winning the trophy) It means everything, coming together with a special group of girls with the Mumbai Indians, a really special moment.”

Player of the Match: Nat Sciver-Brunt (60* off 55)

“You cannot do all those things on a plan [on wickets off full-tosses]. Thanks to Lotty and others, this was my first assignment as a coach. The girls put everything in and they have done their best. They believe that they will be able to do their best whenever they get the opportunity. We're all proud of them. Many times Harmanpreet has gone through these situations and is not able to cross the ladder. First day we said this time you have to cross the ladder. She has taken responsibility, the way she handled the team from day 1 is amazing. She came here after a tournament straightaway and not even one training session she said she was tired.”

Jhulan Goswami, MI bowling coach

It was a good start for us, and we played well right throughout the tournament. Very proud of this team. Need to keep playing well and contributing for my team.

Pooja Vastrakar

To train for and work hard for those moments, to step up for those moments. To go for your best shot and nice it came off. Amazing franchise and amazing people. You just get into a zone and then to play in front of such a crowd is amazing but as soon as that ball is bowled, you have to remain in the zone. Charlotte is one of the best coaches I have worked with. The effort she pops into her team is amazing. Charlotte is a legend, she's got a wealth of knowledge. She's taken teams to finals but had not gotten over the line. To do that for her is so pleasing and emotional for us.

Amelia Kerr

This is one of my greatest moments in cricket, have built amazing friendships right throughout the tournament. We gave them (players_ an off yesterday. We had a team meeting and we kept it very relaxed. They (MI players) played for one another, it has been a wonderful experience.

Charlotte Edwards

Not able to express it, it's a dream come true, speechless. I didn't change much, I tried to bowl dot deliveries. Wong's plan was to take wickets off full toss (laughs). I would like to thank all the fans, grateful for their support.

Saika Ishaque

I just can't explain in words the amount of happiness I am getting right now. We were pretty relaxed yesterday, we just tried to focus on our plans on the field.

Yastika Bhatia

It is crazy, hopefully the first of many. We have been through a lot of ups and downs, happy to win it in the end. To create history and bring it home is great. I reckon wickets are wickets, pretty happy with the one through the gate. The wicket assisted me when I was bowling and I was happy to get the team to a win.

Hayley Matthews (4-2-5-3)

Women's Premier League 2023 stats:

Most runs - Meg Lanning (345) | Highest average - Nat Sciver-Brunt (66.4) | Highest SR - Shafali Verma (185.29) | Highest score - Sophie Ecclestone 99(36) vs Gujarat Giants | Most sixes - Shafali Verma (13), Sophie Devine (13) | Most wickets - Hayley Matthews (16), Ecclestone (16) | Best figures - Marizzane Kapp (5/15) vs Gujarat Giants