UP Warriorz search for spark as MI look to extend winning run

UP Warriorz's slog in the WPL 2026 continues without reward as they head into tonight's clash with Mumbai Indians still searching for their first victory. Three games in, Warriorz have shown flashes of promise but have lacked the collective consistency required to turn strong positions into wins. A middle order that has faltered at key moments, coupled with a bowling unit that has struggled at times, has left them adrift early in the campaign. Mumbai Indians, by contrast, arrive in better spirits after winning two of their three matches so far.

MI's batting has been anchored by Harmanpreet Kaur, who has underlined her form with successive half-centuries. After opening the season with a loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they have bounced back emphatically, registering a dominant win over Delhi Capitals and completing a successful 190-plus chase against Gujarat Giants. With momentum on their side, MI will be keen to make the most of the final stretch of games at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai before the tournament moves to Vadodara.

For UP Warriorz, much has rested on the shoulders of Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield, with the need growing for greater contributions from the Indian contingent, including Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol and Shweta Sehrawat. Harleen did score a 36-ball 47 before she was retired out, but the middle order didn't capitalise thereafter. While the bowling unit showed signs of improvement after expensive outings in the first two games, they were unable to close out a tight finish against DC. A more complete performance across departments will be essential if Warriorz are to arrest their slide and remain in contention.

When: Thursday, January 15 at 7:30 PM IST

Where: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

What to expect: With seven matches completed at this venue, tired pitches might offer more help for the slower bowlers. Teams chasing have won four times this season, as opposed to three wins for teams batting first.

Team news:

Mumbai Indians: Hayley Matthews, who missed the first two games due to a shoulder injury, returned to the eleven for the previous game. She replaced an unwell Nat Sciver-Brunt. If the England all-rounder has made sufficient recovery, she is set to replace Amelia Kerr in the eleven.

Probable XI: Hayley Matthews, Gunalan Kamalini (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Nicola Carey, Sajeevan Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Sanskriti Gupta, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Triveni Vasistha

UP Warriorz: Despite the loss in their last game, UPW might stick to the same combination.

Probable XI: Meg Lanning (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Kiran Navgire, Deepti Sharma, Chloe Tryon, Shweta Sehrawat (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana Joy, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud