# Lanning-Litchfield Masterclass: UP Warriorz Pummel Mumbai Indians in WPL Revenge Match

URL: https://technosports.co.in/masterclass-up-warriorz-pummel-mumbai-wpl/  
Published: 2026-01-17  
Updated: 2026-01-17  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

Just 48 hours after [breaking their winless streak in WPL](https://technosports.co.in/ellyse-perry-joins-rcb-the-goats-impact-on-wpl/), **UP Warriorz** returned to the DY Patil Stadium on Saturday with vengeance on their minds. Captain **Meg Lanning** and the explosive **Phoebe Litchfield** delivered a batting masterclass, propelling UPW to a commanding 118/1 after 12.3 overs—setting the stage for back-to-back victories over defending champions Mumbai Indians.

## WPL Powerhouse Partnership

Lanning’s composed 58 off 40 balls combined beautifully with Litchfield’s aggressive 41* off 31, creating a 100+ run stand that has [Women’s Premier League](https://www.wplt20.com/) fans buzzing. The Australian duo’s chemistry proved unstoppable against MI’s bowling attack, which struggled to contain the boundary barrage—14 fours and 1 six painting the Navi Mumbai sky.

| Batter | Runs (Balls) | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Meg Lanning** | 58 (40) | 8 | 0 | 145.00 |
| **Phoebe Litchfield*** | 41 (31) | 6 | 1 | 132.26 |
| **Kiran Navgire** | Dismissed early | – | – | – |

## Harleen’s Hangover: Confidence Carries Over

While [Cricbuzz](https://www.cricbuzz.com/) reported Thursday’s hero Harleen Deol waiting her turn, coach Abhishek Nayar’s strategic decision to promote Litchfield up the order paid immediate dividends. The 21-year-old Australian’s reverse sweeps and powerful drives kept MI fielders scrambling, building on the momentum from UPW’s breakthrough 7-wicket victory just days earlier.

![WPL](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-1053.png)

## MI’s Bowling Woes Deepen

Mumbai Indians’ attack—missing rested speedster Shabnim Ismail—found no answers against the UPW batting juggernaut. Nat Sciver-Brunt, despite her all-round brilliance in previous matches, conceded runs at over 9 per over. Sanskriti Gupta’s off-spin offered brief respite (2-0-16-0), but crucial dropped catches by Triveni Vasistha and a missed stumping opportunity off Lanning proved costly.

The defending champions, who dominated UPW 5-2 in head-to-head encounters before this season, now face a reality check. Their decision to chase—typically a strength at [this venue](https://www.bcci.tv/)—backfired as UPW’s batting firepower proved too hot to handle.

## What This Means for the Standings

UP Warriorz’s transformation from winless wonders to giant-slayers mirrors their core strength: world-class talent like Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and the in-form duo now steering the chase. With MI attempting damage control after their winning streak halted, Saturday’s result could reshape [WPL 2026’s playoff race](https://technosports.co.in/wpl-2026-points-table-updated-standings/) significantly.

## FAQs

### Who is leading the UP Warriorz batting in today’s WPL match?

Captain Meg Lanning (58 off 40) and Phoebe Litchfield (41* off 31) formed a dominant partnership driving UPW’s chase.

### What is UP Warriorz’s current record in WPL 2026?

After starting 0-3, UP Warriorz won their last match against MI by 7 wickets and are positioned to make it 2 wins from 5 games today.