Smriti Mandhana-captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women defeated Harmanpreet Kaur’s Mumbai Indians Women by 11 runs in the last league match of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, held at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on March 11 (Tuesday). With this defeat, MI will now have to compete against Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals have once again secured a spot in the Final of the tournament.
Smriti Mandhana led her team from the front as she scored a crucial 53 off 37, followed by impactful cameos from Sabbhineni Meghana (26 off 13) and Ellyse Perry (49 off 38). A blazing finish from Richa Ghosh (36 off 22 balls) and Georgia Wareham’s explosive 31 off just 10 balls helped the defending champions, who were already eliminated from the tournament, to post 199/3 in 20 overs.
Nat Sciver-Brunt, with her 69 off 35 balls, was the lone warrior for MI. There was some late hitting from Sajeevan Sajana, who scored 23 off 12, but it wasn’t enough to take her team over the line. As a result, MI fell short by 11 runs, missing the opportunity to directly qualify for the Finals of the tournament.
“This ground is only about saving the boundaries. The last two overs we gave 40 and that cost us, apart from that we did well in the game. We saw in the last game 180 was chaseable. The way Sajana was batting we had hope she will win the game for us but good to see that other batters also contributed. Outfield is fast and we have to stop boundaries, but some really good plans while we were bowling,” said Harmanpreet Kaur following the loss.
“(on her wrist) I’m fine. I will be fine. (on Kerr opening) We still have one more day for the next game and we all will sit and think about that. (on the Eliminator) We need to stay calm and stay in the moment. Cricket is a game about winning small moments. We have a great record against them but they are playing well. (on Amanjot) She is someone who is working in three departments. Really happy with the way she is performing and she is a key player for us,” she added.
WPL 2025 Points Table: After RCB W vs MI W Match
| Team Name | Played | Won | Lost | NRR | Form | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals (Q) | 8 | 5 | 3 | +0.396 | L W W | 10 | ✅ Qualified |
| Mumbai Indians (Q) | 8 | 5 | 3 | +0.192 | L W W | 10 | ✅ Qualified |
| Gujarat Giants (Q) | 8 | 4 | 4 | +0.228 | L W W | 8 | ✅ Qualified |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 8 | 3 | 5 | -0.196 | W L L | 6 | ❌ |
| UP Warriorz | 8 | 3 | 5 | -0.624 | W L L | 6 | ❌ |
