Xtra Time Web Desk: An unbeaten knock (60* off 55 balls) from Nat Sciver Brunt and inspired spell from Hayley Mathews (4-2-5-3) helped Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Capitals by 7 wickets to lift the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) trophy at the Brabourne Stadium on Sunday. Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning won the toss and elected to bat first, but their innings got off to a poor start with Issy Wong taking three wickets in the power play. Despite a 52-run partnership between the 11th wicket pair of Shikha Pandey and Radha Yadav, Delhi Capitals only managed to post a total of 131 on the board. Hayley Matthews was the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai Indians, taking three wickets and conceding only five runs in four overs.
In response, Mumbai’s chase got off to a worst possible start with both openers departing in the first over. The DC bowling unit put pressure on Nat Sciver Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur, but the duo managed to solidify the innings with a 72-run partnership. Harmanpreet was dismissed for 37 runs in 39 balls, but Nat Sciver brought up her half-century and was supported by Amelie Kerr, who smashed a couple of boundaries in the 19th over. Mumbai Indians needed only 5 runs in the last over, which Nat Sciver calmly secured to take her team over the line.
With this victory, Mumbai Indians women’s team added to their franchise’s rich legacy and their tally of 5 Men’s Indian Premier League (IPL) trophies alongside two Champions League trophies that the male side won.