In a thrilling encounter under the lights at the DY Patil Stadium, the UP Warriorz finally found their rhythm to secure a historic maiden win in WPL 2026, defeating the defending champions Mumbai Indians. The victory was defined by a sensational display of grit and stroke play from Harleen Deol, who silenced her critics just 24 hours after a controversial ‘retired out’ dismissal in the previous game.
Chasing a competitive target of 162, the Warriorz showcased a clinical batting performance to cross the finish line with seven balls to spare. This win not only breaks their three-match winless streak but also serves as a massive statement of intent against the most successful team in the league. The redemption arc of Harleen, combined with a disciplined bowling effort earlier in the day, has officially breathed new life into the Warriorz’ campaign.
The Harleen Deol masterclass for UP Warriorz overpower Mumbai Indians
Following the heavy criticism surrounding her tactical retirement in Match 7, Harleen produced a batting clinic to guide Warriorz to their first win of the season. Walking out at No. 3 after the early departure of Kiran Navgire, Harleen played with a newfound sense of urgency, smashing an unbeaten 68 off 39 balls. Her innings was a perfect blend of elegance and aggression, as she utilized the pace of Shabnim Ismail and the spin of Amelia Kerr to find the boundaries at will.
Harleen reached her half-century in just 31 deliveries, celebrating the milestone with a defiant gesture toward the dugout that showcased her redemption. She was ably supported by Phoebe Litchfield (25) and a late cameo from Chloe Tryon, but it was Harleen’s ability to anchor the chase while maintaining a high strike rate that proved to be the difference. Her 12 boundaries and two towering sixes left the Mumbai’s bowling attack searching for answers, eventually sealing the seven-wicket victory in the 19th over.
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Defending champions stumble: Mumbai’s total of 161/5 proves insufficient
Earlier in the evening, the Mumbai posted a respectable 161/5, largely on the back of a powerful half-century from the returning Nat Sciver-Brunt. After a sluggish powerplay where the openers struggled to adapt to the slow surface, Sciver-Brunt accelerated brilliantly to score 65 off 43 balls, finding a reliable partner in Nicola Carey, who remained unbeaten on 35.
However, Warriorz’ bowling unit, led by Asha Sobhana (1/33) and Shikha Pandey (1/25), executed their plans to perfection, denying the MI power-hitters any room to breathe during the middle overs. The dismissal of Harmanpreet Kaur just as she looked to break free was the turning point that prevented Mumbai from reaching a target closer to 180. Despite a late surge in the death overs, the total proved to be at least 15 runs short on a pitch that flattened out significantly during the second innings. This result marks Mumbai’s second loss of the season and highlights the growing parity in a league where even the defending champions can be humbled by a side seeking redemption.
Here’s how fans reacted:
From being retired out last night to showing management her worth in less than 24 hours with 64*(39) winning the game for UPW 💜
Harleen Deol u Queen 👑 pic.twitter.com/z63Ub86mqg
— adi. (@Hurricanrana_27) January 15, 2026
So, if pissing off Harleen Deol is what works, your template is ready, Meg. (And by extension, Harman and India)
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan) January 15, 2026
Nah they showed Nayar right after Harleen hit back to back boundaries and All the commentators burst into laughter.
😹😹😹😹 pic.twitter.com/K9ldVowwla— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) January 15, 2026
Harleen Deol is creaming those boundaries so beautifully. She is finding the gaps, bisecting the field wonderfully well.
She has issued a statement after what transpired in that previous match. Girl is batting with high motivation, that off side play was a sight to behold… pic.twitter.com/1UrCvuEz4R
— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) January 15, 2026
Yesterday – Abhishek Nayar called Harleen Deol back when she was batting on 47 (36).
Tonight – She made her statement with the bat, unleashing all her frustration by Scoring half Century while Chasing! pic.twitter.com/DwURtuiGyI
— Priya Sharma (@pyarypriya) January 15, 2026
something so insane about a woman on a mission. i have never seen harleen deol bat like this, not even on the day she got a hundred for india. been sublime from the word go
— s (@_sectumsempra18) January 15, 2026
Brilliant fifty from Harleen. I’ve been critical of her, but couldn’t be happier for her today. A much-needed comeback or rather, a statement innings. Need to finish well now.
— Ritwika Dhar (@RituD307) January 15, 2026
Seriously, no kidding – But it cannot get better from Harleen Deol’s perspective and you have to feel happpy for her.
She was called back yesterday when she was on 47 and tonight, she gets the 50 that she was looking for!👏
— Jeet Vachharajani (Women’s 🏏) (@Jeetv27WC) January 15, 2026
After Harleen hit three fours off her first three balls, cameraman showed Nayar’s face.🤣🤣
— Bleed Blue (@CricCrazyVeena) January 15, 2026
UP Warriorz win their first game of the season ⚡#MIvsUPW #UPWarriorz #WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/mfKvXrChpp
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 15, 2026
Also WATCH: WPL 2026: Chloe Tryon pulls off ‘catch of the season’ to dismiss Harmanpreet Kaur during MI-W vs UP-W clash
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
