Navi Mumbai, Jan 17 (NationPress) The captain of the Mumbai Indians, Harmanpreet Kaur, recognized that her team's frequent errors, especially during the batting powerplay and in the field, were detrimental as they faced their second straight defeat against UP Warriorz in the 10th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at DY Patil Stadium on Saturday.

In her post-match reflections, Harmanpreet stated that the team had a defined strategy while pursuing a target of 187 runs, but they fell short in their execution as a collective unit. "Our goal was to chase effectively as a team. Although our bowling wasn't up to par, we managed to keep them under 200, which is a positive aspect. However, our performance in the batting powerplay was lacking," she explained.

The Mumbai skipper admitted that sluggish starts with the bat have become a persistent issue. "We haven't approached the powerplay with the right mindset in every match. This is an area that requires significant improvement. A poor start creates immense pressure on the middle and lower order," Harmanpreet added.

She also highlighted missed opportunities in the field as a critical factor, particularly during the pivotal partnership between Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield. Their 119-run partnership set the stage for UP Warriorz’ robust total of 187 for eight. "They were batting exceptionally well, and we regrettably let a few chances slip away. At this level, missing opportunities can lead to significant pressure from the opposing team, which was evident today," she remarked.

Despite a spirited effort from Amelia Kerr and Amanjot Kaur, who both contributed significantly, Mumbai's chase struggled to find its rhythm. Kerr scored a quick 49 off 28 balls, while Amanjot added 41 off 24 deliveries, forming a partnership that briefly reignited hopes of victory. Harmanpreet commended their performances, stating, "They both brought us to a point where victory seemed possible. Their batting was impressive, and I hope they maintain this form moving forward."

Harmanpreet also emphasized the vital role of young wicketkeeper Gunalan Kamalini, who shone behind the stumps. "She is a crucial player for our squad and is excelling in her role. I trust she will keep it up," she noted.

On the topic of team balance, Harmanpreet explained that early disruptions had impacted Mumbai’s combinations. "Initially, Hayley was unwell, which forced us to make several adjustments. Now that things are stabilizing, we are working towards identifying the best playing XI and opening pair," she stated.

Even with this setback, the Mumbai captain expressed optimism about upcoming matches. "We possess a strong team. If we unite and minimize our mistakes, it will significantly enhance our chances of winning. While it’s unfortunate that we didn’t secure a win today, there are valuable lessons to be learned from this experience," Harmanpreet concluded.