WPL 2025: Mithali Raj Lauds Niki Prasad, Says “Her 35-Run Knock Provided Stability Amid Wickets Falling Around Her”

February 16, 2025: In a pulsating Women’s Premier League (WPL) clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Delhi Capitals (DC) emerged victorious by a mere two wickets, edging out Mumbai Indians (MI) in a contest that went down to the very last ball. The game, held in Vadodara, was a captivating spectacle of fluctuating fortunes, as the momentum swung wildly between both teams.

Cricket legend Mithali Raj, who was on commentary for JioHotstar, couldn’t contain her excitement about the high-stakes encounter. She described the match as one of intense drama, saying, “What can I say? The kind of match we witnessed today was remarkable. Yesterday’s game was high-scoring, but today, it was all about intensity. The momentum kept shifting so frequently that until the last ball, no one could predict the winner.”

DC’s chase was launched with a brilliant, explosive start from Shafali Verma, who set the tone early with aggressive strokes. However, it was 18-year-old debutant Niki Prasad who played the role of the stabilizer. Despite the falling wickets around her, Prasad’s composed 35 runs held the chase together, providing DC with the much-needed stability to stay in contention.

Mithali Raj had high praise for Prasad’s ability to remain calm under pressure, especially given the circumstances. “Her debut was nothing short of remarkable. When wickets were tumbling, Niki remained solid at the crease. Her 35-run knock was crucial in ensuring the chase stayed alive,” Raj noted. “It was her first game, and coming fresh off the ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup as a winning captain, she stepped into a high-pressure match and handled it with remarkable poise.”

With the game coming down to the wire—two runs needed off two balls—Prasad, despite the pressure, tried to launch a big shot, a move that Raj believes will come with more experience in future matches. “Her innings today was mature beyond her years,” said Mithali. “She had solid support from Alice Capsey and Sarah Bryce, and when the game came down to the final balls, she took a bold swing. It will come with experience, but her contribution was huge today for DC.”

In the end, DC secured the victory, maintaining their position as strong contenders in the WPL. The match showcased the thrilling nature of the league, with DC’s nail-biting win making it clear that no game can be written off until the final delivery. Mumbai Indians, despite the loss, will certainly look to bounce back and continue their journey in this electrifying tournament.

With thrilling encounters like these, the WPL has proven that it’s not just a league—it’s a celebration of high-intensity cricket that keeps fans eagerly anticipating every match.