Mumbai Indians aim for a direct berth in the WPL final, while Royal Challengers Bangalore strive to steer clear of finishing at the bottom of the table. | Cricbuzz.com

**WPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Aim for Final Berth as Royal Challengers Bengaluru Seek to Avert Last Place**

*Published by Cricbuzz Staff*

In the climactic league match of the Women’s Premier League 2025 season, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru face off, albeit with distinct goals. Defending champions RCB, aside from an exceptional run-chase in their opener, have endured a disappointing campaign and are keen on finishing on a high to dodge the ignominy of the wooden spoon. Conversely, a win for Mumbai Indians would secure a direct path to the final, surpassing Delhi Capitals, who lead by only a slender margin on net run rate. Nonetheless, Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad must contend with fatigue from back-to-back matches.

Mumbai Indians have enjoyed a largely successful season, boasting five victories, with their only slip-ups being against Delhi Capitals. Concerns in their opening partnerships led to a reshuffle, dropping Yastika Bhatia down the order and promoting Amelia Kerr, though this hasn’t yielded the desired results. Hayley Matthews has found her rhythm after a tepid start, yet stronger starts remain desirable. Meanwhile, Nat Sciver-Brunt has proven her mettle following a challenging previous season, as does skipper Harmanpreet, whose form appears to be peaking at an opportune moment.

Although Mumbai’s batting lineup has not fully hit its stride, their bowling unit, led by Kerr and Shabnim Ismail in tandem with Sciver-Brunt, has been formidable. Amanjot Kaur contributes to an attack not easily countered. Positioned strongly against RCB, MI remains confident of victory. RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, in contrast, could potentially disrupt MI’s momentum, given they have little to lose.

Mandhana’s underwhelming performances with the bat have compounded RCB’s woes, alongside Danny Wyatt-Hodge’s inconsistency. Ellyse Perry’s standout batting displays highlight the pressure on individual brilliance amidst overall team struggles. Richa Ghosh has provided occasional sparks, but consistently underperforming batting and erratic bowling at critical junctures have hampered RCB’s efforts throughout.

Despite current form strongly favoring Mumbai Indians, RCB remains a potential upset-instigator in this duel.

**Match Details:**
– **Date and Time:** Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST
– **Venue:** Cricket Club of India, Mumbai

**Pitch Conditions:** The Brabourne Stadium promises ample scoring opportunities with lush, true surfaces and short boundaries. Dew is anticipated, potentially influencing captains to bat second.

**Team Updates:**

*Mumbai Indians:*
The team is likely to retain its triumphant lineup, though continuous play may prompt a change in the domestic bowling ranks. Expect a possible inclusion of Saika Ishaque for Parunika Sisodia.

*Predicted XI:* Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sajeevan Sajana, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque.

*Royal Challengers Bengaluru:*
Expect RCB to experiment, providing opportunities to fringe players in this fixture. Heather Graham may make an appearance, and Wyatt-Hodge might return to the starting lineup after sitting out the previous game.

*Predicted XI:* Smriti Mandhana (c), Sabbhineni Meghana, Danny Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Heather Graham/Georgia Wareham, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kanika Ahuja, Charlie Dean/Kim Garth, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur.

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