UP Warriorz secured their first victory of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season with an impressive performance against Delhi Capitals, winning by 33 runs. The match, played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, showcased the explosive talent of the Warriorz, particularly focusing on Chinelle Henry’s record-equalling batting display.
Batting first, UP Warriorz faced initial setbacks, losing early wickets and finding themselves at 89 runs with 6 wickets down. It was then the West Indian powerhouse, Chinelle Henry, took the charge, demonstrating unparalleled skill and aggression. Coming to bat at number eight, she turned the game on its head by scoring 62 runs off just 23 balls, which included 8 sixes and 2 fours.
Henry achieved the fastest fifty of the tournament, matching the record previously set by Sophia Dunkley of Gujarat Giants, who scored her fifty off 18 balls back in 2023. This remarkable feat not only illustrated Henry's capabilities but also significantly boosted her team's innings, bringing the final score to 177 runs for 9 wickets.
Besides Henry, other Warriorz players contributed, with Kiran Navgire scoring 17 runs and captain Deepti Sharma adding 13 to the total. On the bowling side, Kranti Gaud shined with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 25 runs, putting the Delhi batting line-up under pressure right from the start.
Delhi Capitals, who opted to bowl first after winning the toss, struggled heavily during their chase. Despite some decent individual efforts, including Jemimah Rodrigues’ respectable 56 runs, the team could not build enough partnerships to chase down the target. Their innings crumbled, and they were eventually bowled out for 144 runs within 19.3 overs.
Grace Harris made her mark as well, achieving her hat-trick, becoming the first Australian to do so within the WPL’s history, adding to the Warriorz’s bowling strength alongside Gaud. Jess Jonassen was the standout bowler for Delhi, claiming four wickets but couldn't prevent her team's eventual collapse.
This match was pivotal not just for UP Warriorz as their first win of the season but also for establishing them as strong contenders within the league, especially highlighted by Henry’s explosive performance and Harris’ historical achievement.
Henry’s extraordinary innings won her the Player of the Match award, cementing her role as one of the key players for UP. This victory is expected to boost the morale of the Warriorz as they progress through the tournament.
With the triumph over the Delhi Capitals, the UP Warriorz have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season filled with fierce competition. Fans eagerly anticipate how the team will build upon this momentum.