WPL 2025: UP Warriorz take on MI in do-or-die match
What's the story
In a must-win clash of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025, UP Warriorz (UPW) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. A loss for UPW will see them on the verge of being knocked out of the tournament, given that their net run rate is by far the worst among all teams. After a Super Over win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), they suffered two straight losses and have just four points from six matches.
Team performance
MI's opening pair struggles
Mumbai Indians hold a stronger position with six points from five games (W3 L2) and a positive NRR of +0.166. However, they face challenges, particularly with their opening pair. Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews have struggled, managing just 73 runs in five innings at an average of 14.60 and a run rate of 5.03. Notably, Mumbai are also coming off a nine-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals.
Key player
Nat Sciver-Brunt's all-round performance
In their last meeting on February 26, MI's Nat Sciver-Brunt was instrumental in getting the better of UPW with a match-winning all-round show. She picked three wickets for 18 runs and scored an unbeaten 75 runs. Meanwhile, ahead of their crucial clash, UPW face the pressure to contain the all-rounder and secure a victory.
Team dynamics
Chinelle Henry's impact on UPW
Chinelle Henry, who joined UPW after Alyssa Healy's withdrawal from the tournament, has been a key player for the team. Despite primarily batting at No. 8, she leads UPW in scoring with 138 runs at a strike rate of 209.09. Her impact could be a game-changer in today's clash against MI. Meanwhile, in their recent encounter, which was against the Gujarat Giants, Henry bagged one scalp and scored 28 off 14 balls.
Best performers - UPW
A look at the best performers for UPW so far
As mentioned, Chinelle Henry leads the UPW batters' list with 138 runs across five innings, striking at 209.09 and an average of 34.50. Shweta Sehrawat stands second with 119 runs in six innings at 19.53 while striking at 115.53. With the ball, Sophie Ecclestone has bagged six scalps in six innings at 27.83 (ER: 6.95). Grace Harris is tied with Ecclestone with six wickets (six innings) at 17.16 (ER:8.24).
Best performers - MI
MI's best performers so far
For the Indians, Sciver-Brunt leads the batters' list with 272 runs across five innings, striking at 147.02 and an average of 90.66. Harmanpreet Kaur stands second with 122 runs in five innings at 30.50 while striking at 154.53. With the ball, Hayley Matthews has bagged seven scalps in five innings at 19.85 (ER: 7.72). Sciver-Brunt is tied with Matthews with seven wickets (five innings) at 21.28 (ER:8.27).
Do you know?
UPW are placed 5th
UPW are fifth in the standings with four points from 6 matches. They have two wins and 4 defeats under their belt. UPW's NRR reads -0.786 at the moment.