The 14th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to be an exciting showdown between Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, with both teams looking to assert their dominance. Among the individuals who could have a significant impact on the match, three players from the Warriorz squad stand out: Meg Lanning, Harleen Deol, and Deepti Sharma.
Meg Lanning
When it comes to maintaining composure under pressure, Meg Lanning is hard to beat. The former Australian captain has been a reliable presence in the WPL, and her return to the league with UP Warriorz brings both skill and leadership to the team. Lanning has reached a remarkable milestone, becoming the first Australian and just the third player overall to surpass 1,000 runs in league history. In this season, she has scored 193 runs in five innings, including two half-centuries, with her highest score being 70. Over her WPL career, which spans 32 matches, she has accumulated more than 1,145 runs at an average of 39.28 and a strike rate above 126.37, along with 11 half-centuries. These statistics not only highlight her talent but also her ability to anchor an innings and gain momentum even when the going gets tough.
Harleen Deol
Harleen Deol is one of those players who can turn the tide of a game in no time. While she may not have the same number of runs as some of the bigger names, her capability to shift momentum through aggressive batting makes her a real threat. So far in WPL 2026, Deol delivered a standout performance, scoring an unbeaten 64 off just 39 balls to propel UP Warriorz to their first win of the season against Mumbai Indians. This innings was more than just impressive; it underscored her timing, confidence, and ability to perform under pressure, especially after experiencing an unusual retired-out in a previous match. With 147 runs in five innings and a top score of 64, she’s definitely someone the opposition needs to watch closely. Her batting style is fearless and strategic, making her a challenge for bowlers, especially in the middle overs.
Deepti Sharma
To pose a real challenge to the Giants, Deepti Sharma’s contributions will be essential. Known as one of the most well-rounded all-rounders in women’s cricket, she provides balance to UP Warriorz with both bat and ball. Historically, she has performed well in the WPL, even leading the Warriorz in runs in 2024. Across her WPL career, she has scored over 555 runs, boasting a top score of 88* and a batting strike rate above 115. But it’s not just her batting; Deepti’s spin bowling can be a gamechanger, often halting runs or taking key wickets. With 31 wickets to her name, including best figures of 4/19, she offers a dual threat that the Gujarat Giants will need to navigate carefully. In this thrilling league that showcases some of the premier women’s T20 talent, the outcome often hinges on key players stepping up when it matters most.
Whether it’s Lanning’s elegant shot-making, Deol’s aggressive intent, or Deepti’s astute gameplay, these players are crucial to their teams’ chances of victory in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
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