UP Warriorz (UPW) finally opened their account in the ongoing WPL 2026 after defeating the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on January 15. Now, at the same venue and against the same opponent, Meg Lanning’s UPW have a chance to complete a league double as they play Harmanpreet Kaur’s MI again on January 17.
In the overall head-to-head, MI have the edge, but at this venue, UPW have beaten MI twice compared to one loss. With just one win from four games so far, any further losses will make it almost impossible for UPW to stay in the playoff race. Hence, with renewed confidence, Lanning will aim for consecutive wins.
Meanwhile, MI will look to end the Navi Mumbai leg on a high despite some fitness concerns. A win will strengthen their playoff chances, but a loss could make things tricky heading into the Vadodara leg.
Standings
UP Warriorz: 5th position, 4 games – 1 win, 3 losses, 2 points, NRR -0.906
Mumbai Indians: 2nd position, 4 games – 2 wins, 2 losses, 4 points, NRR +0.469
Head-to-Head record in the WPL
Overall: 8 matches – UPW 3, MI 5
At DY Patil Stadium: 3 matches – UPW 2, MI 1
UPW record at DY Patil Stadium: 9 matches – Won 3, Lost 6
MI record at DY Patil Stadium: 10 matches – Won 6, Lost 4
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What happened in the first meeting of this edition?
After being asked to bat, MI scored 161/5 in 20 overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt played a key role with 65 off 43, while her 85-run fourth-wicket partnership with Nicola Carey (unbeaten 32 off 20) stabilised the innings after early setbacks.
For UPW, Harleen Deol stole the show with an unbeaten 64 off 39, guiding her team to their first win of the season. From 45/2, Harleen and Phoebe Litchfield added a crucial 73-run stand, followed by a quick unbeaten 27 off 11 from Chloe Tryon. Harleen was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Players to watch out for
UP Warriorz – Harleen Deol
Harleen has scripted a redemption story this season with her performances in the last two games. Against Delhi Capitals (DC), on a tricky pitch where the ball was gripping and coming slow off the surface, she looked set on 47 off 36 at a strike-rate of 130.55 before being retired out. The decision backfired and drew criticism, with Harleen visibly frustrated.
However, in the very next game against MI, she responded with a masterclass, scoring an unbeaten 64 off 39 at a strike-rate of 164.10 to seal UPW’s first win while chasing 162, with 11 balls and seven wickets to spare. Her ability to find gaps, especially through the off-side, has stood out, and UPW will hope she continues to settle into the No. 3 role.
Mumbai Indians – Amanjot Kaur
All-rounder Amanjot remains a key balance player for MI. As an Indian all-round option, she gives skipper Harmanpreet Kaur flexibility in the playing XI. While she has picked up just one wicket in three innings so far, her batting contributions have been vital. Against Gujarat Giants (GG), she scored 40 off 26 at number three in a crucial 72-run partnership with Harmanpreet during the 193-run chase.
In the next game against UPW, she opened the innings and scored 38 off 33, adding 43 runs in 7.2 overs with G Kamalini on a tricky pitch. Amanjot did not bowl against UPW due to a niggle, and whether that affects her availability remains to be seen. If fit, she is expected to play another key role.
Probable Playing XIs
UPW
G Trisha, Meg Lanning (C), Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Shweta Sehrawat (WK), Chloe Tryon, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud.
MI
G Kamalini (WK), Amelie Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Nicola Carey, Sajeevan Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Saika Ishaque.
Also Read: RCB vs GG, WPL 2026: Radha, Shreyanka Power RCB to Hat-trick of Wins
