UP Warriorz Clinch First Win in WPL 2026 with Stellar Performance
UP Warriorz Triumph Over Mumbai Indians
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 16: The UP Warriorz celebrated their inaugural victory in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, showcasing a disciplined performance against the Mumbai Indians. They successfully limited their rivals to a score of 161-5 and completed their chase with 11 balls remaining.
Central to this successful chase was Harleen Deol, who delivered a remarkable innings, scoring 64 runs off just 39 balls. Her impeccable timing and balance allowed her to find the boundary consistently, especially in the early stages of the innings, playing a crucial role in leading the UP Warriorz to a decisive win.
After the match, Harleen Deol expressed her satisfaction, stating, “It feels great to secure our first win, and I’m thrilled for the team. I felt I was in good form during the last game as well, so my preparation didn’t change much. Sometimes, you just get the right balls to hit for boundaries. The pitch was a bit challenging initially, but it improved later, and I focused on contributing effectively for the team.”
UP Warriorz Head Coach Abhishek Nayar praised Harleen Deol’s mindset, saying, “For Harleen, the team always comes first. This belief is strong within our group. I’ve encouraged her to embrace both touch and power in her game, as my goal is to elevate Indian cricketers. She’s now the second Indian player after Harmanpreet to score a fifty this season, which is exactly what we aimed for.”
Discussing the team’s culture, Nayar remarked, “Our culture remains consistent regardless of wins or losses. We’ve faced challenges, but we also have vibrant personalities like Kranti Gaud and Phoebe Litchfield who uplift the atmosphere in the dressing room. Maintaining a positive environment is crucial, no matter the outcomes.”
Nayar also emphasized the importance of leadership in T20 cricket, highlighting Meg Lanning’s exceptional role. He stated, “T20 cricket thrives on strong leadership, and Meg has been remarkable. She is hands-on, deeply engaged, and meticulous in assessing our team’s strengths and weaknesses. As the tournament unfolds, her influence becomes increasingly evident; she truly leads this team.”
With Harleen Deol’s outstanding performance and the support of strong leadership and team culture, the UP Warriorz are poised for further success in WPL 2026.