UP Warriorz Women (UP-W) will face Mumbai Indians Women (MUM-W) in Match 16 of the ongoing WPL 2025 at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday, March 6.
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UP Warriorz Women vs Mumbai Indians Women: Preview
Following their thrilling Super Over victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz have suffered two consecutive defeats, leaving them with just four points from six matches and in a precarious position in the tournament. With the worst net run rate among all teams, another loss could push them to the verge of elimination.
UP Warriorz face a daunting challenge in reviving their playoff hopes as they take on a wounded Mumbai Indians when WPL 2025 action resumes on Thursday (March 6) in Lucknow. With their campaign hanging by a thread, Warriorz must turn things around quickly.
Their tournament began on a disastrous note with back-to-back heavy defeats in Vadodara before a resurgence in Bengaluru, where they became the first team in WPL 2025 to defend a total—against the now-qualified Delhi Capitals. They then edged past RCB in a thrilling Super Over, thanks to an all-round masterclass from Sophie Ecclestone. However, two consecutive losses since then have dragged them to the bottom of the points table, tied with RCB on four points but burdened with a worrying net run rate of -0.786.
Beth Mooney spoiled Warriorz’s homecoming with a stunning unbeaten 96, powering Gujarat Giants to 186—the season’s second successful total defense. On a true wicket, Warriorz struggled in both departments and were guilty of underutilizing key resources. Only Chinelle Henry maintained an economy under eight runs per over, while experienced left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana wasn’t even called upon, despite being picked ahead of pacer Saima Thakor.
Their inconsistent batting order also failed to step up in a steep chase. Henry and Ecclestone—batting at Nos. 8 and 9, respectively—were the only ones to strike at over 100. Henry has been in red-hot form, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 210, yet her tally of 138 runs in five outings reflects her low batting position. Despite her explosive hitting, she hasn’t received the promotion she arguably deserves, which could help solve Warriorz’s middle-order woes.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians are in a far more comfortable spot, having secured six points from five games with a positive net run rate. However, they have concerns of their own, particularly their opening partnership. Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews have struggled, combining for just 73 runs in five innings at an average of 14.60 and a run rate of 5.03. On three occasions, they were separated with fewer than ten runs on the board. While Matthews did notch a half-century two matches ago, Bhatia has managed only 38 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 84.44.
For Mumbai, the middle order has shouldered most of the scoring responsibility, with Nat Sciver-Brunt (272 runs, 2nd in the tournament) and Harmanpreet Kaur (133 runs, 13th) leading the charge. However, their opening pair—Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia—have struggled to provide solid starts, failing to last through the PowerPlay in all five matches. The duo has managed just 73 runs together, including three single-digit partnerships, with Bhatia in particular struggling to find rhythm since returning from a finger injury. Matthews, however, showed glimpses of form with a fifty in the reverse fixture against UPW in Bengaluru. Amelia Kerr’s dip in form at No. 5 has further increased the pressure on MI’s leadership duo.
Mumbai’s three-match winning streak was abruptly ended by a crushing nine-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals, who completed a double over them. With a top-two finish within reach, MI will aim to avoid leaving too much to do in the final stretch, where they face back-to-back fixtures at home.
When these teams clashed last month in Bengaluru, Nat Sciver-Brunt’s stellar all-round display—3 for 18 with the ball and an unbeaten 75 with the bat—overpowered UPW. Can UP Warriorz find a way to contain her this time?
UP Warriorz Women vs Mumbai Indians Women: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 6
- Wins by UP Warriorz Women: 2
- Wins by Mumbai Indians Women: 4
- Tied Matches: 0
- No Result Matches: 0
- First-ever Fixture: March 12, 2023
- Most-recent Fixture: February 26, 2025
UP Warriorz Women vs Mumbai Indians Women: Pitch Report
The surface at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium offers minimal bounce, making it favorable for bowlers. The weather is expected to be clear and pleasant, with no rain interruptions. Teams winning the toss might prefer to bowl first, aiming to build momentum and chase effectively in the second innings. However, unlike the general trend in this WPL, Lucknow has witnessed batting-first sides emerge victorious in 10 of the 15 women’s T20 matches played at the venue. This includes Gujarat Giants’ recent success in defending 186 against UP Warriorz. While the pitch traditionally benefits slower bowlers, GG’s pacers Kashvee Gautam and Deandra Dottin made a significant impact in the previous game.
UP Warriorz Women vs Mumbai Indians Women: Form Guide
UP Warriorz LLW (last three matches, most recent first)
Mumbai Indians LWW
UP Warriorz Women vs Mumbai Indians Women: Team News and Predicted XI
UP Warriorz Women – Team News
Even after back-to-back defeats, UP Warriorz have limited options for altering their XI. A potential change could be Rajeshwari Gayakwad replacing Gouher Sultana, who remained unused in the previous match despite Gujarat Giants posting 186/5.
The team recently dropped Tahlia McGrath, handing a debut to Georgia Voll, who is expected to retain her spot despite failing to score. Additionally, with Sultana not being utilized at all, UPW might consider replacing her with an extra pace option, something they seemed to lack while conceding a hefty total to GG.
UP Warriorz Women – Predicted XI
- Grace Harris
- Kiran Navgire
- Georgia Voll
- Vrinda Dinesh
- Deepti Sharma (capt)
- Shweta Sehrawat
- Uma Chetry (wk)
- Chinelle Henry
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Gouher Sultana
- Kranti Goud
Mumbai Indians Women – Team News
With UPW expected to field just one left-handed batter, MI might contemplate bringing back left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque in place of off-spinner Sanskriti Gupta. A standout performer in the inaugural season, Ishaque has yet to play in WPL 2025 after a tough outing in the season opener against DC.
Given UPW’s right-handed heavy lineup, she could be a viable option, potentially replacing either Gupta or Jintimani Kalita, both of whom have been used sparingly, bowling only a couple of overs per match.
Mumbai Indians Women – Predicted XI
- Yastika Bhatia (wk)
- Hayley Matthews
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)
- Amelia Kerr
- S Sajana
- Amanjot Kaur
- G Kamalini
- Saika Ishaque/Sanskriti Gupta
- Jintimani Kalita
- Shabnim Ismail
UP Warriorz Women vs Mumbai Indians Women: Players To Watch Out For
Chinelle Henry (UP Warriorz Women)
Chinelle Henry was a late addition to UPW’s squad, brought in as a replacement after Alyssa Healy withdrew from the tournament. However, she has quickly become their most valuable player, particularly with the bat. Despite primarily batting at No. 8 and never going higher than No. 7, she is UPW’s top scorer with 138 runs at an impressive strike rate of 209.09. With the team struggling for firepower in the middle order, promoting Henry up the batting lineup would be a logical move.
Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians Women)
Amelia Kerr played a crucial role in MI’s batting lineup during the first two seasons, but she has struggled for form this time. In four innings, she has managed only 47 runs at an average of 11.75 and a strike rate of 88.67. With the opening pair also misfiring, MI have become heavily dependent on Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur. Kerr will be eager to turn things around and contribute more with the bat.
UP Warriorz Women vs Mumbai Indians Women: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Mumbai Indians Women win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 35-45
- UP Warriorz Women Total: 150-160
- Match Result: Mumbai Indians Women win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: UP Warriorz Women win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 45-55
- Mumbai Indians Women Total: 170-180
- Match Result: UP Warriorz Women win the match
When and Where To Watch UP Warriorz Women vs Mumbai Indians Women LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Women’s Premier League 2025 clash between UP Warriorz Women and Mumbai Indians Women is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday, March 6, at Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
Read More: IPL 2025: Ajinkya Rahane Named Kolkata Knight Riders Captain for IPL
FAQs
What is the current form of UP Warriorz in WPL 2025?
UP Warriorz have won just two out of six matches and are struggling at the bottom of the table with a poor net run rate.
How has Mumbai Indians’ batting performed this season?
While Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur have been key contributors, MI’s opening pair of Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews has struggled to provide strong starts.
What changes could UP Warriorz make to their playing XI?
UPW might replace Gouher Sultana with Rajeshwari Gayakwad or bring in an extra pacer after conceding 186 runs in their last game.
Who has been UP Warriorz’s standout performer?
Chinelle Henry has been UPW’s top run-scorer, striking at an impressive 209.09, despite batting lower in the order.
What pitch conditions can be expected at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow?
The pitch offers low bounce and has historically favored teams batting first, with 10 out of 15 women’s T20 matches won by the side setting a target.
