Meg Lanning’s UP Warriorz (UPW) are currently facing all sorts of problems after losing all three of their games so far in the ongoing WPL 2026. Now, in search of their first win of the season, they take on the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on January 15.
MI, after a loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their opening game, bounced back with two back-to-back thumping wins against Gujarat Giants (GG) and Delhi Capitals (DC). They will aim to register a third consecutive win and further strengthen their position in the playoff race.
However, in the last game, star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt missed out due to illness, as skipper Harmanpreet Kaur revealed at the toss, with Hayley Matthews coming into the playing XI. Whether Sciver-Brunt returns for this game and, if so, which overseas player makes way, remains to be seen.
Standings
Mumbai Indians: 2nd position, 3 games – 2 wins, 1 loss, 4 points, NRR +0.901
UP Warriorz: 5th position, 3 games – 3 losses, 0 points, NRR -1.543
Head-to-Head record in the WPL
Overall: 7 matches – MI 5, UPW 2
At DY Patil Stadium: 2 matches – MI 1, UPW 1
MI record at DY Patil Stadium: 9 matches – Won 6, Lost 3
UPW record at DY Patil Stadium: 8 matches – Won 2, Lost 6
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Players to watch out for
Mumbai Indians – Harmanpreet Kaur
Harmanpreet has begun the campaign on a high, delivering two match-winning knocks in three games. Ahead of this edition, with the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in mind, the focus was firmly on her batting form. For India, her being in top form with the bat going into the World Cup in England is crucial.
In three matches, Harmanpreet has scored 165 runs at an average of 165.00 and a strike-rate of 161.76, including two fifties. After scoring 20 off 17 against RCB, the current Orange Cap holder smashed an unbeaten 74 off 42 against DC to earn the Player of the Match award.
She followed it up with another unbeaten knock of 71 off 43 while chasing 193 against GG, again bagging the Player of the Match award. With such form, MI will hope their skipper continues to lead from the front and set the tone for the rest of the squad.
UP Warriorz – Kranti Gaud
Kranti Gaud had an impressive debut season in the WPL last year, following it up with strong performances for India, including being part of the ODI World Cup-winning squad. She has since become a regular member of the India Women side in both ODIs and T20Is. Naturally, expectations were high ahead of this WPL season, with Kranti expected to lead UPW’s pace bowling attack.
However, in three matches so far, she has looked out of rhythm and has failed to pick up a wicket. She has bowled seven overs, conceding 58 runs at an economy of 8.28. The usage of Kranti by skipper Lanning has also raised questions. Known for her sharp yorkers, especially at the end of an innings, Kranti is yet to bowl in the death overs this season.
Against GG, she bowled one over in the powerplay and two in the middle overs. Against RCB and DC, she bowled only two overs each, both times in the powerplay. Why she is not completing her full quota or being used at the death remains unclear. Her body language also suggests a dip in confidence, and this clash against MI could be the ideal opportunity for her to make a comeback, if used wisely.
Probable Playing XIs
MI
G Kamalini (WK), Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Nicola Carey, Sajeevan Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Triveni Vasistha.
UPW
Kiran Navgire, Meg Lanning (C), Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Shweta Sehrawat (WK), Chloe Tryon, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud.
NOTE: This match is going to be played behind closed doors of the DY Patil Stadium –without spectators – because of the Municipal Corporation Elections in Navi Mumbai on January 15, 2026.
Also Read: DC vs UPW, WPL 2026: Winless DC and UPW eye first points as Meg Lanning faces former team
