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UP Warriorz Out: Litchfield's Absence Hurts WPL Dreams
2 Feb
Summary
- Phoebe Litchfield's absence due to injury impacted UP Warriorz's batting lineup.
- Delhi Capitals defeated UP Warriorz, eliminating them from WPL 2026 playoff contention.
- UP Warriorz's top order struggled for consistency throughout the season.
The UP Warriorz's hopes for the Women's Premier League 2026 title were dashed following a loss to Delhi Capitals on Sunday, consequently eliminating them from playoff contention. Coach Abhishek Nayar found it challenging to identify a single reason for the team's performance, but acknowledged that the absence of Phoebe Litchfield, due to a quad injury, significantly impacted their strategy. Litchfield, who scored 243 runs in six matches, was crucial to their batting lineup, particularly at the No. 3 position. The team struggled to replace her impact, and the top order's inconsistent form further hampered their season.
Delhi Capitals secured their spot in the eliminators with a five-wicket victory over UP Warriorz. This win also led to the elimination of the two-time champions, Mumbai Indians. UP Warriorz were restricted to 122/8 in their 20 overs, with Deepti Sharma, Simran Shaikh, and Shikha Pandey providing some late impetus. Delhi's bowlers, led by Marizanne Kapp's three wickets, contained UPW effectively. In response, Laura Wolvaardt's 47 and Jemimah Rodrigues's 26 guided Delhi to the target with 18.4 overs bowled, confirming UP Warriorz's exit from the WPL 2026 season.
