Mumbai Indians (MI) spoiled Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) homecoming with a thrilling four-wicket victory in the TATA Women's Premier League 2025. The match, held in Bengaluru, saw yet another last-over finish as 16-year-old G Kamalini sealed MI's win with a boundary when two runs were needed off the final two balls. This marked the third final-over finish in seven WPL 2025 matches.

Harmanpreet and Sciver-Brunt Shine in MI's Chase

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur's first fifty of the season and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s explosive 42 laid a strong foundation for MI’s chase. Player-of-the-match Amanjot Kaur, who had earlier impressed with a brilliant 3-22, also made a crucial contribution with the bat. Her unbeaten 34 off 27 balls ensured Mumbai Indians (MI) secured their fourth win in six encounters against RCB.

Perry’s Heroics Lead RCB’s Innings

After winning the toss, MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur put RCB in to bat. Smriti Mandhana gave RCB a fiery start, smashing five boundaries, including a massive six, in the first three overs. However, just as she seemed set for a big score, she top-edged a pull shot off Shabnim Ismail and was caught by Yastika Bhatia for 26 off 13 balls. Ellyse Perry, in red-hot form with three consecutive 40+ scores and a six-wicket haul against MI, took charge. But wickets tumbled at the other end, leaving RCB struggling at 57-4 in the eighth over. Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt struck, dismissing Danni Wyatt-Hodge (9) and Raghvi Bist (1) as they attempted big shots. Off-spinner Sanskriti Gupta then bowled Kanika Ahuja for her maiden WPL wicket. Perry continued attacking while Richa Ghosh played the anchor role. Their 50-run partnership brought stability, but Amanjot Kaur’s crucial breakthrough sent Ghosh (28 off 25) back, followed by Georgia Wareham’s dismissal for six. However, Perry remained unstoppable. She smashed a 30-ball fifty with a classy cover drive and followed it up with a six over long-on. Her brilliant 81 off 43 balls propelled RCB to 167/7, scoring 45 runs in the last four overs. She departed on the penultimate ball, earning a standing ovation. Amanjot Kaur (3-22) was the standout bowler for MI.

MI’s Chase: Fast Start, Mid-Innings Collapse, and Late Drama

MI’s chase began with an early setback as Bhatia fell in the second over, bringing Sciver-Brunt to the crease. She continued her fine form, blasting an unbeaten 41 off just 18 balls in the powerplay, taking MI to 66/2. However, she missed out on a third straight fifty, as a clever off-cutter from Kim Garth bowled her for 42 off 21 deliveries. Harmanpreet Kaur and Amelia Kerr then took charge, but Kerr’s dismissal (2 off 6) triggered a brief collapse. At 82-4 in 10 overs, MI still needed 86 runs. The first six of MI’s innings came in the 16th over, with Harmanpreet launching an attack. Her crucial 62-run stand with Amanjot Kaur helped MI gain control. Harmanpreet reached her sixth WPL fifty, steering the chase comfortably. With just 24 runs needed off the last three overs, MI seemed poised for victory. However, Georgia Wareham turned the game around with a stunning over, conceding only two runs and taking two key wickets—Harmanpreet (50 off 38) and Sajeevan Sajana on consecutive deliveries. Suddenly, MI needed 22 runs from the last two overs. Amanjot Kaur’s two sixes off Kanika Ahuja in the penultimate over swung momentum back in MI’s favor. With two runs required from two balls, Kamalini confidently drove the ball through the covers, sealing a thrilling victory for MI.