Mumbai, 16 January (H.S.): UP Warriorz claimed their maiden victory in Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 on Thursday night, defeating Mumbai Indians by six wickets with 11 balls remaining, propelled by Harleen Deol's composed 64 off 39 balls after bowlers restricted the hosts to 161 for five.
Deol's innings—featuring exquisite off-side timing and balance—proved decisive in the chase, marking her as the second Indian after Harmanpreet Kaur to reach a half-century this season. Post-match, she reflected, This first win feels fantastic, and I'm thrilled for the team. I sensed good form in the previous game too, so no major preparation changes were needed. Sometimes everything clicks on the day, and boundaries flow naturally. The pitch eased for batting later; I simply focused on contributing optimally for the team.
Head coach Abhishek Nair praised Deol's team-first ethos, noting, Harleen always prioritizes the collective over self, mirroring our team culture. I've encouraged her blend of touch play and power hitting to elevate Indian players further—she delivered exactly what we envisioned.
He credited dressing room vibrancy to talents like Kranti Gaud and Phoebe Litchfield, emphasizing, Our culture transcends wins or losses; positivity amid challenges remains paramount.
Nair highlighted captain Meg Lanning's pivotal leadership in T20 cricket: Strong guidance is essential, and Lanning excels—actively dissecting strengths, weaknesses, and strategy. Her impact will grow as the tournament progresses; she's the true boss of this side.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
