New Delhi: In the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 final, Delhi Capitals won the toss and opted to bowl first against Mumbai Indians. This decision aligns with their consistent strategy throughout the tournament of bowling first after winning the toss. However, one notable change in the Delhi Capitals’ lineup is the exclusion of Titas Sadhu. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians have retained their playing XI from the eliminator match, where they defeated Gujarat Giants despite losing the toss and batting first. This raises questions about Delhi captain Meg Lanning’s decision, considering historical records at the venue.
Toss-Winning Teams Struggle at Brabourne Stadium
The Brabourne Stadium has not been favorable for teams winning the toss. In WPL history, only 2 out of 14 matches at this venue have been won by teams that won the toss. This trend was evident in the WPL 2025 eliminator match, where Gujarat Giants won the toss and chose to bowl first but ended up losing to Mumbai Indians by 47 runs.
So far in WPL 2025, three matches have been played at Brabourne Stadium, and all three were won by teams that batted first. Despite significant dew affecting the second innings, teams chasing have struggled. These statistics make Lanning’s decision to bowl first in the final an interesting gamble.
Mumbai Indians Playing XI
Yastika Bhatia, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Sajeevan Sajana, Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini, Sanskruti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque.
Delhi Capitals Playing XI
Meg Lanning (Captain), Shafali Verma, Jess Jonassen, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Sarah Bryce, Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Shikha Pandey, Nallapureddy Charani.
As the WPL 2025 final unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Delhi Capitals’ strategy pays off or if Mumbai Indians continue their strong performance. Will Lanning’s decision defy the odds, or will history repeat itself?