WPL 2025: Mumbai Indians eyes top-of-table finish in clash of champions against Royal Challengers Bengaluru

A clash of champions will bring the curtains down on the league stage of the Women’s Premier League’s third edition. Mumbai Indians will eye a top-of-the-table finish and a direct spot in the final when it takes on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Brabourne Stadium here on Tuesday. 

RCB has the perfect opportunity to trash MI’s party at home with a consolatory win that can help it sign off from a disappointing campaign on a high. For MI, a straightforward win will help it top the table and save it the hassle of an Eliminator against Gujarat Giants. 

MI is fresh off a close win against the Giants, a nine-run victory in a game that went down the wire. The fixture saw Mumbai’s international stars – from Harmanpreet Kaur’s half-century to Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews’ temperament in key overs with the ball – bringing their experience to the fore. Cameos from Amanjot Kaur have been crucial to the middle order. 

Yastika Bhatia’s demotion down the order has worked out so far, with the wicketkeeper-batter maximising the few deliveries she has at her disposal, but a batting collapse up top can very well upset MI’s plans in its final league game of the season.

With nothing to lose, RCB has the option of testing its bench strength, but one would expect the side to field its steady XI and go out on a high. The team has been good in parts and will hope to string together one good game to help Delhi Capitals make the summit clash directly for the third season in a row. A victory will also help RCB avoid a last-place finish, something the defending champion will be motivated to work for. 

In focus will be Ellyse Perry, who has registered some memorable performances at this venue in Australian colours. The all-rounder has enjoyed an imperious run with the bat and will hope to anchor RCB once more as it signs off for the edition. How she tackles Shabnim Ismail’s pace and Kerr’s ability to keep the ball low and slow will test her and the RCB line-up. 

MI is playing its second consecutive game and will keep an eye on workload, particularly of its senior players. The hot and humid conditions and a surprising lack of dew at the Brabourne Stadium will also be in consideration for both sides.