WPL 2026 Match 8 Preview: Mumbai Indians Women vs UP Warriorz Women

Date: Thursday, 15th January 2026
Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Start Time: 14:00 GMT | 19:30 Local | 19:30 IST

Match Context

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 Match 8 promises an exciting clash between two of the competition's most formidable teams: Mumbai Indians Women and UP Warriorz Women. This encounter, set to take place at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, will be a crucial fixture for both sides as they look to secure momentum in the tournament. With Mumbai Indians boasting a dominant record against UP Warriorz in recent encounters, this match could prove pivotal in shaping the league standings.

Current Form

Mumbai Indians Women

Mumbai Indians have displayed a strong mix of consistency and adaptability in their recent performances. After a brief dip in form, they have bounced back with two impressive wins, bolstered by the all-round brilliance of Harmanpreet Kaur and the aggressive strokeplay of Nicola Carey. The bowling attack, led by Amelia Kerr, has been a key factor in their success, with tight lines and aggressive death-overs bowling.

UP Warriorz Women

UP Warriorz, on the other hand, are in a precarious position after suffering three consecutive losses. Despite having top-order stars like Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield, the team has struggled with a weak and inconsistent bowling attack. Their recent performances have exposed vulnerabilities, and they will need a strong all-round effort to break this losing streak.

Players to Watch

Mumbai Indians Women

• Nicola Carey: The New Zealand all-rounder has been a revelation this season, contributing with both bat and ball. With 99 runs at an average of 49.5 and a strike rate of 154.68, she has also taken six wickets at an economy rate of 18.
• Harmanpreet Kaur: The Indian captain has been the backbone of Mumbai’s batting, scoring 165 runs this season at a strike rate of 161.76.
• Amelia Kerr: The pace sensation has taken six wickets in three matches at an average of 12.83, with a strike rate of once every 12 balls.

UP Warriorz Women

• Meg Lanning: The Australian skipper has been a consistent performer, scoring 98 runs across three innings with an average of 32.66.
• Phoebe Litchfield: The Australian opener has been the team’s highest run-scorer with 125 runs at an average of 41.66 and a strike rate of 176.05.
• Harleen Deol: The 18-year-old has shown promise with 58 runs at an average of 19.33, though her recent retirement out has raised questions about her form and consistency.

Head-to-Head Record

In their last five meetings, Mumbai Indians have dominated the series with 4 wins, with UP Warriorz managing just one victory. This record will likely give Mumbai Indians the psychological edge as they head into the match.

Venue Insights: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

The Dr DY Patil Sports Academy has historically favored the chasing side, with teams batting second winning 68% of matches. The average first-innings score at the venue in recent T20s has been 179.14, with fast bowlers averaging 26.27 and spinners averaging 30.91. The pitch tends to assist spinners in the middle overs, making it crucial for openers to accelerate early.

Wicket Breakdown by Overs:

• Powerplay Overs (1–6): 1.56 wickets
• Middle Overs (7–15): 2.34 wickets
• Death Overs (16–20): 1.82 wickets

Squads

Mumbai Indians Women:

• Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
• Gunalan Kamalini (wk)
• Rahila Firdous (wk)
• Poonam Khemnar
• Hayley Matthews
• Milly Illingworth
• Amanjot Kaur
• Amelia Kerr
• Nat Sciver-Brunt
• Sajeevan Sajana
• Nicola Carey
• Sanskriti Gupta
• Saika Ishaque
• Shabnim Ismail
• Kranthi Reddy
• Triveni Vasistha

UP Warriorz Women:

• Meg Lanning (c)
• Shipra Giri (wk)
• Kiran Navgire (wk)
• Harleen Deol
• Phoebe Litchfield
• Pratika Rawal
• Simran Shaikh
• Gongadi Trisha
• Deandra Dottin
• Charli Knott
• Shikha Pandey
• Shweta Sehrawat
• Deepti Sharma
• Asha Sobhana
• Chloe Tryon
• Sophie Ecclestone
• Kranti Gaud
• Suman L Meena

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Mumbai Indians
• Match Winner: Mumbai Indians
• Top Batter (Runs): Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians), Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians), Shikha Pandey (UP Warriorz)
• Most Sixes: Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians), Phoebe Litchfield (UP Warriorz)
• Player of the Match: Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians)
• Team Scores (Batting First): Mumbai Indians 180+, UP Warriorz 150+

Final Thoughts

With a strong batting lineup and a world-class bowling attack, Mumbai Indians are the favorites in this match. However, UP Warriorz, despite their current struggles, have the talent to upset the odds, especially if their bowlers can contain the Mumbai openers and force a tight chase. The venue’s tendency to favor the chasing side could play a significant role in the outcome, making the toss an important factor. Look out for a thrilling encounter with high stakes on 15 January 2026 at 14:00 GMT.
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