When the UP Warriorz take on Mumbai Indians in the 10th match of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, all eyes won’t just be on the clash of teams, but on the individuals shaping the narrative of this season. While cricket is undoubtedly a team sport, these three players have been instrumental in Warriorz’s journey so far and could very well be the difference-makers in this exciting outing.
Phoebe Litchfield
Phoebe Litchfield has been one of the standout batters for UP Warriorz this season, and her form coming into this clash makes her a compelling player to watch. Litchfield’s 78-run blitz, one of the highest individual scores for Warriorz in this edition, showcased her ability to take control of an innings from the get-go, punishing anything loose and rotating strike with ease. She has scored 349 runs in 18 innings, with an average of 20.52 and a strike-rate of 130.71. That innings wasn’t just eye-catching; it underlined her role as a match-defining top-order presence who can switch gears depending on the team’s needs. Against Mumbai Indians, who boast a seasoned bowling attack, Litchfield’s timing and shot selection will be crucial. She has the potential to give Warriorz a flying start or rescue the innings under pressure.
Harleen Deol
If Warriorz are to script another memorable chase, Harleen Deol will be central to that story. In the team’s recent win over Mumbai Indians, Harleen played a match-winning unbeaten 64 off 39 balls, striking with authority and composure in the middle overs, a performance that not only steered her side to victory but also silenced critics. Harleen Deol has scored 604 runs in 24 matches with an average of 31.78 and a strike-rate of 118.89. This innings was remarkable not just for the runs but for the context. Coming just a day after a contentious retired out dismissal, Harleen’s response displayed a blend of resilience, confidence, and cricketing maturity rarely seen under such spotlight. She anchored a 73-run partnership with Litchfield to guide Warriorz home, showing her adaptability and calm under pressure.
Deepti Sharma
Often the glue that holds a side together, Deepti Sharma brings balance and versatility to the Warriorz lineup. While she might not always grab the headlines with towering scores, her contributions with both bat and ball add depth and flexibility to the playing XI. A veteran of the WPL and international cricket, Deepti’s off-spin bowling can be especially handy in the middle overs, a phase where games often tilt one way or the other. With the ball, her variations and subtle flight can stifle runs and create breakthroughs, particularly on pitches that offer grip and turn. With the bat, Deepti’s ability to play crucial cameos and steady the innings when needed, especially in tight run chases, makes her a key tactical asset. She has scored 555 runs in 27 innings with her highest score being 88*. Sharma has also picked up 30 wickets with her best figures being 4/19.
In a tournament filled with explosive talent and international stars, these three Warriorz players represent different but equally important facets of success, power-hitting, tempering and anchoring a chase, and all-round adaptability. As this match unfolds, expect Phoebe Litchfield to attack early, Harleen Deol to weather the storm and take the initiative as needed, and Deepti Sharma to weave stability into the Warriorz’s game plan. Their performances not only define UP Warriorz’s hopes in this fixture but also reflect the evolving competitiveness of the WPL 2026 season, where individual brilliance continues to push the league to new heights.
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