Mumbai, March 26, 2023 – In a groundbreaking moment for women’s cricket in India, the Mumbai franchise has emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the country’s first-ever professional women’s cricket league.
The final, played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, saw the home team face off against the Delhi franchise in a thrilling encounter. Batting first, the Mumbai team posted a formidable total of 182/4, thanks to a magnificent unbeaten century from young sensation Jemimah Rodrigues.
In response, the Delhi team, led by experienced captain Harmanpreet Kaur, put up a valiant chase, but ultimately fell short by 24 runs, finishing their innings at 158/8.
The victory marks a significant milestone in the growth and development of women’s cricket in India, a sport that has long been overshadowed by the immense popularity of the men’s game. The WPL, which features six franchises and some of the world’s best female cricketers, has been hailed as a game-changer for the sport in the country.
“This is a proud moment for all of us,” said Mumbai’s captain, Smriti Mandhana, after the match. “The WPL has provided us with a platform to showcase our talent and inspire the next generation of female cricketers in India. This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.”
The victory celebrations were led by India’s sports minister, Anurag Thakur, who praised the Mumbai team’s achievement and the overall success of the inaugural WPL. “This is a historic moment for Indian sports. The WPL has not only provided a platform for our talented female cricketers but has also ignited a new wave of enthusiasm and support for women’s cricket across the country.”
The WPL final was attended by a record crowd of over 30,000 spectators, a testament to the growing popularity of the women’s game in India. The league’s success is expected to pave the way for increased investment, media coverage, and grassroots development of women’s cricket, further strengthening the sport’s position in the country.
