UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians Highlights, WPL 2026: Harleen Deol's 64 Secures UPW's First Win*.

UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians Highlights, WPL 2026: Harleen Deol's 64 Secures UPW's First Win*.

UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians Highlights, WPL 2026: Harleen Deol's Redemption Knock Powers UPW to Maiden Victory.

                    In a thrilling turnaround story at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on January 15, 2026, UP Warriorz registered their first win of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 season, defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians by seven wickets with 11 balls to spare.

            Harleen Deol, who had been controversially retired out just 24 hours earlier against Delhi Capitals, delivered a masterclass with an unbeaten 64 off 39 balls to anchor the chase of 162 and earn Player of the Match honors.

This Match 8 encounter saw UP Warriorz, led by Meg Lanning, bounce back after three opening losses, moving off the bottom of the points table with two points (albeit with a negative net run rate). Mumbai Indians, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, suffered their second defeat in four games despite a fighting total built around Nat Sciver-Brunt's explosive 65.

DY Patil Stadium - Wikipedia

The venue, Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, provided a balanced surface with some assistance for spinners early on and dew playing a role in the second innings, making chasing preferable.

Toss and Mumbai Indians' Innings

UP Warriorz won the toss and elected to field first, aiming to exploit early conditions and capitalize on dew later. Mumbai Indians' new opening combination of Amanjot Kaur and Gunalan Kamalini struggled against a disciplined UPW attack featuring Shikha Pandey, Sophie Ecclestone, and Deepti Sharma. The powerplay yielded only 32 runs, with both openers dismissed cheaply—Amanjot and Kamalini falling to leave MI at 45/2 in 8.3 overs.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur couldn't stabilize the innings, departing for a low score caught brilliantly by Chloe Tryon. At 74/3 after 12.2 overs, Mumbai looked in trouble on a slow pitch favoring spin.

The game turned with the return of Nat Sciver-Brunt to the lineup. The English all-rounder unleashed her trademark power-hitting, forging an 85-run partnership with Nicola Carey (32* off 20 balls). Sciver-Brunt smashed 65 off 43 balls, including nine fours and a six, dominating the middle and death overs with calculated aggression. Carey provided solid support, hitting five boundaries in a quick cameo.

UP Warriorz bowlers, including Shikha Pandey (1/25) and Sophie Ecclestone (1/26), kept things tight initially but couldn't contain the late surge. Mumbai posted a competitive 161/5 in 20 overs—a total that looked defendable given the pitch's grip.

UP Warriorz's Chase: Harleen's Redemption

Chasing 162, UP Warriorz needed a strong start but lost openers Meg Lanning (25 off 26, including a six off Sciver-Brunt) and Kiran Navgire (10 off 12) to Sciver-Brunt in the same over post-powerplay. At that stage, with the score around 42/2 after six overs, pressure mounted on the middle order.

Enter Harleen Deol. Fresh from the disappointment of being retired out on 47* the previous day (a tactical call to send in Chloe Tryon for big hitting but one that backfired), Harleen walked in with intent. She smashed her first ball for four and quickly raced to 18 off 9, punishing width outside off from Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, and Shabnim Ismail.

Partnering with Phoebe Litchfield (25), Harleen built a crucial stand, finding gaps and threading boundaries through the off side. Litchfield fell to Kerr, but Harleen remained composed, accelerating with a streak of fours.

Chloe Tryon then joined to provide fireworks, blasting an unbeaten 27 off 11 balls (four fours and a six) in an unbroken 44-run stand off 20 balls. Harleen's knock—64* off 39, studded with 12 fours—was a blend of class and aggression: elegant drives, late cuts, and powerful pulls. She controlled the chase masterfully, ensuring UP Warriorz reached 162/3 in 18.1 overs.

Sciver-Brunt picked up 2/28 but MI's bowlers lacked discipline, feeding Harleen width repeatedly. The dew aided strokeplay, but Harleen's temperament shone brightest.




Key Performances and Post-Match Reactions

Harleen Deol (Player of the Match): 64* (39 balls, 12x4) – A statement innings proving her worth after the retire-out controversy. In post-match comments, she viewed the previous decision pragmatically, noting Tryon's big-hitting potential, but her bat spoke loudest here.

Nat Sciver-Brunt: 65 (43 balls) with the bat and 2/28 with the ball – All-round effort, but couldn't prevent defeat.

Chloe Tryon: 27* (11 balls) – Explosive cameo to seal the deal.
Bowling highlights: Shikha Pandey and UP spinners restricted MI early.

Meg Lanning praised her team's fighting spirit and Harleen's character. Harmanpreet Kaur noted dew and wet ball challenges but acknowledged Harleen's brilliance.

This win breathed life into UP Warriorz's campaign—they next face Mumbai again on January 17 in a quick rematch at the same venue. For Mumbai, it's a reminder that even champions need consistency.

The match highlighted WPL's depth: redemption arcs, international stars shining, and tactical battles. Harleen's knock will be remembered as one of the season's defining moments so far.