Meg Lanning sounded proud and relieved after UP Warriorz handed the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), two back-to-back defeats in the ongoing WPL 2026. On January 17, they defeated MI by 22 runs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Lanning, who was also adjudged Player of the Match, said:
“Was a nice bounce back after losing the first three. Group’s stayed up, great to get two wins vs MI, gives momentum heading into Baroda. We did a lot of planning, how we want to execute. They have good batters. Last two games, we’ve nailed it. Nice batting with Pheebs, we hit different areas. She took pressure off me, hope to have a couple more going forward. We can finish our batting inns better, MI took pace off. We’ve tightened up a few areas.”
Put in to bat first, UPW were under pressure after losing their first wicket in the first over. However, from there, captain Lanning took responsibility and stitched a partnership of 119 runs off 74 balls with Phoebe Litchfield. The stand provided much-needed stability and laid the foundation for a strong total. Lanning was the highest run-getter, scoring 70 off 45 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 155.56. Litchfield scored 61.
In reply, MI’s top order failed and they could only manage 165/6 in their 20 overs. MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur pointed out the lack of acceleration in the powerplay as one of the reasons for the defeat.
“We wanted to chase as a group. Even though we didn’t bowl well, we restricted them under 200. Our batting, we weren’t good in the powerplay, gotta work on it.” she said.
Also read- WPL 2026: “I wanted to be a wicket-taking bowler” – RCB’s Shreyanka Patil after first WPL fifer
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