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

UP Warriorz's campaign 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 faltering middle order and an inconsistent bowling unit have left them adrift early.

Mumbai Indians, by contrast, arrive in better spirits after winning two of their three matches. Their batting has been anchored by Harmanpreet Kaur, who has scored successive half-centuries. After an opening loss, they have bounced back with dominant wins, including a successful 190-plus chase.

For UP Warriorz, much has rested on Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield, with a growing need for greater contributions from the Indian contingent like Kiran Navgire and Harleen Deol. A more complete performance across all departments is essential if Warriorz are to arrest their slide.

When: Thursday, January 15 at 7:30 PM IST
Where: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
What to expect: Tired pitches might offer more help for slower bowlers. Teams chasing have won four times this season, versus three wins for teams batting first.

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