In a thrilling encounter under the lights at the DY Patil Stadium UP Warriors they finally found their rhythm to pull off a historic win WPL 2026defeating former champions Mumbai Indians. The victory was determined by a sensational ground and stroke game Harleen Deolsilenced critics just 24 hours after the controversy ‘retired’ dismissal in the previous game.
Chasing a competitive target of 162, the Warriors produced a clinical batting performance to cross the finish line with seven balls to spare. The win not only snapped their three-match winless streak, but also served as a broad statement of intent against the league’s most successful team. Harley’s rescue arc, along with a disciplined bowling effort earlier in the day, officially breathed new life into the Warriors’ campaign.
Harleen Deol masterclass for UP Warriorz to outclass Mumbai Indians
After heavy criticism for her tactical retirement in Game 7, Harleen put on a hitting clinic to lead the Warriorz to their first win of the season. A ride on #3 after an early departure Kiran NavgireHarleen played with a new-found sense of urgency, smashing an unbeaten 68 off 39 balls. His shots were a perfect blend of elegance and aggression as he used his speed Shabnim Ismail and rotation Amelia Kerr finding boundaries with will.
Harleen reached his half-century in just 31 deliveries and marked the milestone with a defiant gesture towards the dugout that showcased his save. ably supported by Phoebe Litchfield (25) and a late cameo Chloe Tryonbut it was Harley’s ability to anchor the chase while maintaining a high strike rate that proved the difference. His 12 boundaries and two powerful sixes left Mumbai’s bowling attack scrambling for answers, eventually sealing a 19-run seven-wicket victory.
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Defending champions stumble: Mumbai’s total of 161/5 is not enough
Earlier in the evening, Mumbai posted a respectable 161/5, mainly on the back of a strong half-century after the comeback. Nat Sciver-Brunt. After a sluggish power play where the openers struggled to adjust to the slow surface, Sciver-Brunt accelerated brilliantly to score 65 off 43 balls and found a reliable partner. Nicola CareyHe remained unbeaten in 35.
However, the Warriors’ bowling unit is leading the charge Asha Sobhana (1/33) and Shikha Pandey (1/25), executed their plan to perfection, denying the MI power hitters any room to breathe during the middle innings. Dismissal Harmanpreet Kaur as he looked to break free, it was the turning point that prevented Mumbai from reaching the target of nearly 180. Despite a late rise in death bounces, the second innings proved to be at least 15 runs short on a pitch that dropped noticeably. The result marks Mumbai’s second defeat of the season and highlights the growing parity in the league, where even the defending champions can be humiliated by a side looking for a comeback.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
From retiring last night to showing his worth to management in less than 24 hours with a game winning 64*(39) for UPW 💜
Queen Harleen Deol 👑 pic.twitter.com/z63Ub86mqg
— usual. (@HurricaneRana_27) January 15, 2026
So if pissing off Harleen Deol works, you’ve got a template, Meg. (And additionally, Harman and India)
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan) January 15, 2026
No, they showed Nayar right after Harleen hit the boundaries and all the commentators started laughing.
😹😹😹😹 pic.twitter.com/K9ldVowwla— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) January 15, 2026
Harleen Deol maintains these boundaries beautifully. He finds gaps, bisects the field beautifully.
He made a statement after what happened in the previous match. The girl fights with high motivation, from the outside the game was a sight to see … pic.twitter.com/1UrCvuEz4R
— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) January 15, 2026
Yesterday – Abhishek Nayar recalled Harleen Deol as he batted on 47 (36).
Tonight – He made a statement with the bat, unleashing all his frustration by scoring a half-century in the chase! pic.twitter.com/DwURtuiGyI
— Priya Sharma (@pyarypriya) January 15, 2026
something so crazy about a woman on a mission. I have never even seen harleen deol bat, not even on the day she scored a hundred for India. it was magnificent from the word go
— s (@_sectumsempra18) January 15, 2026
Bright hand from Harleen. I’ve criticized him, but I couldn’t be happier for him today. A much needed comeback, or rather, statement shots. Now you need to finish well.
— Ritwika Dhar (@RituD307) January 15, 2026
Seriously, no joke – But Harleen doesn’t get any better from Deol’s point of view and you have to feel happy for her.
Got called back yesterday at 47 and got the 50 he was looking for tonight!👏
— Jeet Vachharajani (Women 🏏) (@Jeetv27WC) January 15, 2026
After Harley hit three fours in the first three balls, the cameraman showed Nayar’s face.🤣🤣
— Bleed Blue (@CricCrazyVeena) January 15, 2026
UP Warriorz won their first game of the season ⚡#MIvsUPW #UPWarriorz #WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/mfKvXrChpp
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 15, 2026
Also WATCH: WPL 2026: Chloe Tryon takes ‘catch of the season’ to dismiss Harmanpreet Kaur during MI-W v UP-W clash
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
