Harleen Deol's Redemption: 64 Powers UP Warriorz to 7-Wicket Triumph Over MI

In a stunning turnaround just 24 hours after controversy, Harleen Deol smashed an unbeaten 64 off 39 balls to guide UP Warriorz to a commanding seven-wicket victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians in Match 8 of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on January 15, 2026. Deol, who had been controversially retired out on 47 against Delhi Capitals the previous day, responded emphatically with 12 boundaries, anchoring the chase of 162 with poise and aggression.

MI posted a competitive 161/5, thanks largely to Nat Sciver-Brunt's 65 and Amanjot Kaur's 38. UP Warriorz's bowlers, led by Shikha Pandey (1/25) and Sophie Ecclestone (1/26), kept the total in check despite the late flourish. Chasing, UPW lost early wickets but Deol steadied the innings from the seventh over, showing immediate intent with quick boundaries. Her partnership with Chloe Tryon, who blasted an unbeaten 27 off 11 balls, sealed the win in 18.1 overs with 11 balls to spare.

Deol, named Player of the Match, reflected on the retired-out decision without dwelling on negativity, focusing instead on the team's morale-boosting first victory after three losses. Head coach Abhishek Nayar, who had made the tactical call the day before, applauded her performance from the dugout. The knock highlighted Deol's resilience and class, proving her value as a key batter for UP Warriorz.

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This win lifts UP Warriorz off the bottom of the table, injecting fresh momentum into their campaign, while MI suffer their second defeat in four games. Deol's redemption story has become the talk of WPL 2026, showcasing how setbacks can fuel extraordinary comebacks in women's cricket.

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