The Women’s Premier League, WPL resumes its Navi Mumbai leg on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with a blockbuster clash as defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) take on UP Warriorz (UPW).
Beyond the league points on offer, this contest carries strong emotional undertones. For three seasons, Meg Lanning was the face of the Delhi Capitals; now, as captain of UP Warriorz, she comes up against the most successful franchise in WPL history.
With local municipal elections scheduled in Navi Mumbai, the match is likely to be played behind closed doors, but the absence of spectators is unlikely to dampen the intensity. On the field, the narrative is rich: an in-form Mumbai unit looking to tighten its grip on the top spots, against a revamped UP side desperate to arrest an early-season slide.
Head-to-Head Record
Mumbai Indians have historically dominated this rivalry, although UP Warriorz have managed a few memorable upsets that continue to define this fixture.
•Total Matches: 7
•Mumbai Indians Won: 5
•UP Warriorz Won: 2
•Recent Encounter: MI won both league games comfortably in 2025, but UPW hold a famous “giant-killing” win from the 2024 season.
The numbers clearly favour Mumbai, but UP’s ability to punch above their weight in isolated games ensures this contest cannot be taken lightly.
Squad Analysis
Mumbai Indians: The Momentum Kings
Mumbai Indians enter this match brimming with confidence after pulling off a massive chase of 193 against Gujarat Giants, a result that underlined their batting depth and composure under pressure. Harmanpreet Kaur is in sensational form, recently becoming the first Indian and only the second player overall to cross 1,000 WPL runs. Her leadership and shot-making have been central to MI’s dominance.
The only potential concern for Mumbai is the fitness of Nat Sciver-Brunt, who missed the previous game. However, MI’s squad depth remains their biggest strength. Players like Nicola Carey and Sajeevan Sajana have stepped in seamlessly, ensuring that the team balance remains largely unaffected even when a marquee name is unavailable.
UP Warriorz: The Revamp Era
UP Warriorz began the 2026 season with a “clean slate” philosophy, appointing Abhishek Nayar as head coach and handing the captaincy to Meg Lanning. On paper, the squad boasts significant star power, with names such as Sophie Ecclestone and Deandra Dottin capable of turning games single-handedly.
Yet, results have not followed intent so far. UP currently find themselves near the bottom of the table, with two recurring issues hurting them badly: a lack of wickets in the Powerplay and a middle order that has struggled to consistently support Deepti Sharma. Addressing these gaps will be crucial if they are to challenge a settled MI side.
Important Players to Watch Out For
•Meg Lanning (UPW): Having crossed the 1,000-run milestone herself earlier this week, the Australian great will be desperate to register her first win as UPW captain. Her tactical duel with Harmanpreet Kaur is likely to be the defining subplot of the evening.
•Harmanpreet Kaur (MI): Fresh off a match-winning 71* against Gujarat Giants, the MI skipper is striking the ball with remarkable clarity. UP’s spinners will need a near-perfect plan to counter her trademark slog-sweep.
•Amelia Kerr (MI): One of the leading wicket-takers this season, Kerr’s four overs of leg-spin often dictate the tempo of MI’s bowling innings.
•Sophie Ecclestone (UPW): The world’s No.1 bowler remains UP’s biggest weapon. Early breakthroughs against MI’s openers could dramatically shift momentum.
Probable XI
Mumbai Indians (MI):
1.Hayley Matthews ✈️
2.G Kamalini (wk)
3.Amelia Kerr ✈️
4.Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
5.Nat Sciver-Brunt ✈️ (subject to fitness) / Nicola Carey ✈️
6.Amanjot Kaur
7.Sajeevan Sajana
8.Poonam Khemnar
9.Sanskriti Gupta
10.Shabnim Ismail ✈️
11.Saika Ishaque
UP Warriorz (UPW):
1.Meg Lanning (c) ✈️
2.Kiran Navgire
3.Phoebe Litchfield ✈️
4.Deandra Dottin ✈️
5.Deepti Sharma
6.Shweta Sehrawat (wk)
7.Sophie Ecclestone ✈️
8.Harleen Deol / Gongadi Trisha
9.Shikha Pandey
10.Asha Sobhana
11.Kranti Goud
Match Prediction & Pitch Report
The DY Patil Stadium surface has been a batter’s paradise in recent matches, most notably highlighted by MI’s successful near-200 chase. While quality spinners such as Ecclestone and Kerr are likely to extract some grip, the short boundaries and evening dew make conditions extremely challenging for bowlers.
Verdict: Mumbai Indians head into the contest as clear favourites, riding on momentum and the blistering form of Harmanpreet Kaur. However, UP Warriorz are overdue a statement performance. If Lanning and Dottin fire at the top, they possess enough firepower to disrupt MI’s winning rhythm and spring a surprise.
