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- From retired out to matchwinner: Harleen Deol’s 64 powers UP Warriorz to first WPL 2026 win against Mumbai Indians
Harleen Deol's innings didn't constitute hitting as such, only cultured strokeplay in a must-win game for the Warriorz after three consecutive losses to start their campaign.
Harleen Deol of UP Warriorz reacts during the Match 8 of the TATA Women’s Premier League 2026 between Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, India, on January 15, 2026. (CREIMAS for WPL)
On Wednesday, Harleen Deol was retired out for a batter considered more explosive in the final overs. She quickly dispelled the notion with a classy innings that kept UP Warriorz alive in the 2026 Women’s Premier League, with a seven-wicket win against Mumbai Indians chasing 162.
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Harleen Deol show
It’s never a pleasant feeling when one is not considered good enough to do a job. Harleen Deol would have felt a mixture of disappointment, disbelief, and embarrassment when Warriorz retired her out on a 36-ball 47 with the last three overs left to play in the game against Delhi Capitals.
It took Harleen 24 hours to bounce back, and in some style. Her unbeaten 39-ball 64 against defending champions Mumbai Indians didn’t constitute hitting as such, only cultured strokeplay. It was a must-win game for the Warriorz after three consecutive losses to start their campaign.
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The opposition bowling on Thursday also helped Harleen’s cause. They kept feeding her strength by giving her width, and she gave an exhibition of off-side play, repeatedly finding the boundary. All but two of her 12 boundaries peppered the offside boundaries.
Timing 🤝 Placement ⚡️
Harleen Deol with an exhibition of off-side play 😎
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/UPFLXNFhTQ #TATAWPL | #KhelEmotionKa | #MIvUPW pic.twitter.com/owVUgchX0a
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 15, 2026
For a team that had only seen defeats this season so far, things could have gone badly. But the bowlers contributed to her being on 12 after three balls, and sensing it was her night. Natalie Sciver-Brunt fed a cut shot before Amelia Kerr provided opportunities for a cover drive and a late cut. Three different shots through the off-side, and Harleen and UP Warriorz were on their way.
Two players for one
The Mumbai Indians are headlined by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, but Nat Sciver-Brunt is equally crucial to their fortunes. The England captain is two players for the price of one, and contributes in both – and sometimes all three disciplines – in any game.
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On Thursday too, it was the 33-year-old who stepped up when the team had lost three wickets – including that of the captain – in just over 12 overs with the scoring rate at just a run a ball.
Sciver-Brunt’s 65 off 43 balls, with nine fours and a six, was full of the characteristic strokeplay, mixing powerful hits, street-smart innovation, and classy execution.
I.C.Y.M.I
Classy 🤝 Effective
A brisk 8⃣5⃣-run partnership between Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Nicola Carey to end the #MI innings 👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/UPFLXNFhTQ #KhelEmotionKa | #MIvUPW pic.twitter.com/1438m4EOUb
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 15, 2026
Once she got a life – a very tough chance as Meg Lanning went flying to her right, parallel to the ground, at midwicket, but failed to hold on – Sciver-Brunt took control. She started her boundary count with a reverse-sweep off leg-spinner Asha Sobhana, then employed the conventional shot against Sophie Ecclestone. Though it wasn’t enough for MI to get over the line, it proved what a vital player the England star is for her franchise.
Brief scores: Mumbai Indians 161/5 in 20 overs (Sciver-Brunt 65, Amanjot Kaur 38, Nicola Carey 32 not out) lost to UP Warriorz 162/3 in 18.1 overs (Harleen Deol 64 not out) by seven wickets
Tushar Bhaduri is a highly experienced sports journalist with The Indian Express, based in Delhi. He has been a journalist for 25 years, with 20 of those dedicated to sports reporting. Professional Background Expertise: Tushar writes on a wide variety of sports, focusing on the "bigger picture" and identifying underlying trends that impact the sporting world. Experience: He has covered numerous major global sporting events over his long career. Writing Style: He is known for providing analytical depth, often exploring governance, sportsmanship, and tactical evolutions in games like cricket, golf, and hockey. Recent Notable Articles (2025) His recent work highlights his diverse interests, ranging from the business of golf to major international cricket tournaments: Golf and Athlete Ventures: "In turf battle of golf leagues, Kapil Dev and Yuvraj Singh in opposite camps" (Dec 11, 2025) — A piece on the rivalry between new golf leagues promoted by Indian cricket legends. "Golf's glittering stars in India: Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood... battle for $4million prize" (Oct 14, 2025) — Coverage of the biggest-ever golf tournament in India. Cricket and World Cups: "How rains in Colombo helped India stay alive in the ICC Women's World Cup" (Oct 22, 2025). "Champions Trophy: How Glenn Maxwell brain-fade proved costly" (Mar 4, 2025) — Analysis of a critical turning point in the IND vs AUS match. "IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: In PBKS and RCB, the league's underachievers look to take one step closer" (May 28, 2025). Thought Pieces and Policy: "Sportsmanship is going out of fashion" (Oct 8, 2025) — An editorial on the blurring lines between passion and provocation across various sports like chess, golf, and cricket. "Can the Italian Open really become the fifth Grand Slam in tennis?" (May 20, 2024). Olympic Sports: "Paris Olympics hockey: Why the defeat to Belgium ushers in hope and optimism for India" (Aug 1, 2024). Topics of Interest Tushar frequently writes about IPL strategy, ICC tournament planning, and profiles of rising stars like Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He also maintains a keen interest in historical sports narratives, such as the legacy of Dhyan Chand. ... Read More
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