Fans celebrate after Harleen Deol scripts redemption as UP Warriorz overpower Mumbai Indians to register first win in WPL 2026

In an exciting encounter under the lights at the DY Patel Stadium, Up Warriors They finally found their rhythm to claim their first historic win By 2026by defeating the defending champion Mumbai Indians. Victory was decided by a thrilling display of grit and putt play Harleen Deolwhich silenced its critics after just 24 hours of controversial controversy “retirement” Sacked in the previous match.

Chasing a competitive target of 162, the Warriorz showed a clinical batting performance to cross the finish line with seven balls to spare. Not only does this win break their three-game winless streak, but it also serves as a massive statement of intent against the most successful team in the league. Harleen’s redemption arc, combined with a disciplined bowling effort earlier in the day, has officially breathed new life into the Warriorz’ campaign.

Harleen Deol’s advanced spin of UP Warriorz takes on Mumbai Indians

After heavy criticism surrounding her tactical retirement in Game 7, Harleen produced a batting clinic to guide the Warriorz to their first win of the season. Checking out at number 3 after early departure Kiran NavgirHarleen played with a new sense of urgency, smashing an unbeaten 68 off 39 balls. Her innings were the perfect blend of elegance and aggression, as she made use of her speed Shabnim Ismail And it spins Amelia Kerr To find boundaries at will.

Harleen reached her half-century in just 31 deliveries, and celebrated the milestone with a defiant gesture towards the dugout that showed her redemption. She was ably supported Phoebe Litchfield (25) And a late veil from Chloe Tryonbut it was Harleen’s ability to stabilize the chase while maintaining a high strike rate that proved to be the difference. Her 12 boundaries and towering six boundaries left Mumbai’s bowling attack searching for answers, eventually sealing a seven-wicket win in the 19th over.

Read also: It has been revealed: Smriti Mandhana will star in The Hundred 2026

Holders stumble: Mumbai’s score of 161/5 is insufficient

Earlier in the evening, Mumbai posted a respectable score of 161/5, largely due to a strong half-century from the comeback Nat Skiver-Brunett. After a slow, powerful play in which the openers struggled to adapt to the slow surface, Sciver-Brunt accelerated brilliantly to score 65 off 43 balls, finding a reliable partner in Nicola CareyWho remained undefeated with 35.

However, the Warriorz’s bowling unit is led by Asha Glory be to Him (1/33) and Shikha Pandey (1/25), they executed their plans to perfection, denying the MI power batsmen any breathing room through the middle. dismissal Harmanpreet Kaur Just as it was looking to break free was the turning point that prevented Mumbai from reaching a target closer to 180. Despite a late spike in the death toll, the total proved to be no less than 15 runs on a pitch that flattened significantly during the second innings. The result marks Mumbai’s second loss of the season and highlights the increasing parity in a league where even the defending champions can be humbled by a team looking to make amends.

Here’s how fans reacted:

From retiring last night to showing her worth to management in less than 24 hours with a 64*(39) match win for UPW 💜

Harleen Deol and the Queen 👑 pic.twitter.com/z63Ub86mqg

– aggressive. (@Hurricanrana_27) January 15, 2026

So, if pissing off Harleen Deol is what works, your template is set, Meg. (And by extension, Harman and India)

– Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻‍💻 (@lav_narayanan) January 15, 2026

Nah, they showed Nayar right after Harleen hit the back boundary and all the commentators burst into laughter.
😹😹😹😹 pic.twitter.com/K9ldVowwla

– Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) January 15, 2026

Harleen Deol draws those boundaries so beautifully. She finds gaps, splits the field great.

She issued a statement after what happened in that previous match. The girl fights with high motivation, and this off-side play was a sight to behold… pic.twitter.com/1UrCvuEz4R

– Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) January 15, 2026

Yesterday – Abhishek Nayar called out Harleen Deol when she was batting on 47 (36).

Tonight – she made her statement with the bat, unleashing all her frustration by scoring a half-century during the chase! pic.twitter.com/DwURtuiGyI

– Priya Sharma (@pyarypriya) January 15, 2026

Something so crazy about a woman on a mission. I had never seen Harleen Deol bat like that, not even on the day she got a hundred for India. It was sublime from the word go

– Photo (@_sectumsempra18) January 15, 2026

Harlene’s Fabulous Fifty. I criticized her, but I couldn’t be happier for her today. A much needed comeback or rather statement role. Need to finish well now.

– Rituika Dhar (@RituD307) January 15, 2026

Seriously, no kidding – but things can’t get any better from Harleen Deol’s perspective and you should feel happy for her.

She was called yesterday when she was 47, and tonight, she got the 50 she was looking for!👏

– Jeet Vacharajani (Women 🏏) (@Jeetv27WC) January 15, 2026

After Harleen hit three off her first three balls, the cameraman showed Nayar’s face.

-Blue Bleeding (@CricCrazyVeena) January 15, 2026

UP Warriorz wins their first match of the season ⚡#MIvsUPW #UPWarriorz #WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/mfKvXrChpp

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 15, 2026

See also: WPL 2026: Chloe Tryon pulls ‘catch of the season’ for sacking Harmanpreet Kaur during MI-W vs UP-W match

This article was first published on WomenCricket.com, a cricket Times company.