Harleen Deol scripted a memorable comeback just 24 hours after the disappointment of being retired out, producing a match-winning half-century to power UP Warriorz to their first victory of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026.
UPW defeated defending champions Mumbai Indians by seven wickets in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, getting their campaign back on track after three consecutive losses.
Deol, who had been controversially retired out in the previous game despite batting fluently, responded in the best possible manner with an unbeaten 64 off 39 balls.
Anchoring the run chase with composure and intent, she ensured UP Warriorz chased down the Mumbai Indians’ total of 161 without any late drama.
Earlier, Nat Sciver-Brunt once again showcased her brute power with a commanding 65 off 43 deliveries, lifting the Mumbai Indians to 161 for five on a pitch that offered assistance to spinners.
After a sluggish start, MI accelerated impressively, scoring 107 runs in the final 10 overs thanks largely to Sciver-Brunt’s fearless hitting.
Mumbai’s innings began slowly as openers Amanjot Kaur (38 off 33) and G Kamalimi (5 off 12) struggled to find momentum. At 54 for two after 10 overs, Sciver-Brunt changed the complexion of the innings with a sustained boundary assault.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a quick 16 off 11 before falling to a sweep shot off Asha Shobhana, while Nicola Carey played the ideal supporting role during the late surge.
In reply, UP Warriorz continued to face issues at the top of the order, with Meg Lanning (25 off 26) and Kiran Navgire (10 off 12) unable to provide a brisk start.
However, Deol took control of the chase with renewed purpose, playing fluently square of the wicket and punishing anything loose.
She particularly impressed against pace, collecting three boundaries in an over off Shabnim Ismail.
Deol brought up her half-century in the 15th over with a sweep off spinner Sanskriti Gupta, followed by two more boundaries in the same over to reduce the equation to 29 off 24 balls.
Her redemption knock not only silenced critics but also underlined her importance to the UPW batting line-up as the WPL 2026 gathers momentum, even as several matches continue to be played without spectators.
Partnering with Chloe Tryon (27 not out off 11), Deol stayed till the end to ensure there were no hiccups as UP Warriorz sealed their maiden win of the season in four matches.
