WPL 2026: Deep Dasgupta Hails Harleen Deol’s Knock Against Mumbai as a Statement Innings

India, Jan 16 : Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta lauded Harleen Deol’s innings of 64 runs as “not just an innings, but a statement” after UP Warriorz secured their first victory of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 with a composed chase against Mumbai Indians.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s Match Centre Live, Dasgupta highlighted the significance of Deol’s knock, which came just a day after she was controversially retired out in UP Warriorz’s previous match.

UP Warriorz delivered a disciplined performance, restricting Mumbai Indians to 161 for 5 before chasing the target comfortably with 11 balls to spare. The bowlers applied consistent pressure, ensuring Mumbai never built momentum.

At the heart of the chase was Deol, who anchored the innings with 64 off 39 balls, timing her shots beautifully and pacing the chase intelligently. Her off-side strokes stood out, and she maintained composure throughout, avoiding any reactionary aggression after her previous match setback.

“Twenty-four hours makes a huge difference. Harleen Deol’s knock of 64 against Mumbai Indians was phenomenal,” Dasgupta said. “Usually, after something like being retired out, a player may hit out in anger. But she played every shot with elegance and timing. It was a statement innings.”

Dasgupta also emphasized the broader importance of the win for UP Warriorz, who had struggled for momentum earlier in the season. “With a new coach, Abhishek Nayar, and a new captain, Meg Lanning, this win is a step toward unlocking the team’s full potential,” he said.

Highlighting UP Warriorz’s strategic approach, Dasgupta added, “They stuck to the basics, played simple cricket, and executed it perfectly. Seamers applied pressure, fielding was sharp, and the run chase was clinical. This combination could make UP Warriorz a serious contender as WPL 2026 progresses.”