UP Warriorz. (Photo Source: Twitter/WPL)

With four wins to their name in the league stage of the ongoing Women’s Premier League, UP Warriorz have managed to qualify for the playoffs of the competition. However, they were not a consistent side throughout the tournament. Now, ahead of the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians, the Alyssa Healy-led side has to answer a lot of questions and most importantly, figure out the best possible XI.

Throughout the course of the season, the think tank shuffled Grace Harris with Shabnim Ismail and now, it needs to be seen who the franchise prefers as both these cricketers have done really well in their last respective games. On the other hand, Devika Vaidya was dropped from the playing XI in the last match, after she failed to prove as a top-order batter. Interestingly, Shweta Sehrawat who replaced her too didn’t have a great time in the middle.

Thus, problems are plenty for the franchise and they need to address them well. Now, since Healy has a lot of experience playing these crunch games, she is expected to find a solution sooner than later. So, will she once again make strategic changes and bring back Harris into the mix? Or she’ll back her Warriors this time? Let’s dissect –

Here’s UP Warriorz’ predicted XI for the match against Mumbai Indians:

Openers – Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Devika Vaidya

Skipper Alyssa Healy is known for her destroying her opponent in the shortest format of the game. The 32-year-old is no stranger to playing the big matches and most of the time, she has proved that she can soak in the pressure and dominate any bowling attack in the world. When it comes to WPL, Healy has managed to smash 242 runs in eight matches and with that, she currently is the fifth-leading run-scorer of the tournament. Despite so, her recent form is a matter of concern as the Australia international managed to score only 57 runs in her last four matches.

On the other hand, Devika Vaidya is very likely to replace Shweta Sehrawat in the coming game. The youngster managed to get a good start in their last league game against Delhi Capitals but once again, failed to make the most of it. Thus, Devika might make her return to playing XI as she has the much-needed experience of dealing with pressure games. On top of that, she can also bowl a couple of overs in the middle and that’s an added advantage of having her in the mix.

Middle Order – Kiran Navgire, Simran Sheikh

Kiran Nagvire has been a massive flop in the ongoing WPL. She was extremely good in UP’s opening game but since then, the 28-year-old failed to live up to the expectations. In eight matches so far, Kiran has amassed 112 runs only at a strike rate of 103.70. Notably, in the last match, she was demoted down the order to play the role of a finisher, but she couldn’t handle that as well. Thus, her form will definitely bother the team management ahead of the Eliminator.

Youngster Simran Shaikh was signed with a lot of hope that she can finish games for the franchise. However, like Kiran, the 21-year-old failed massively. She has managed to score only 29 runs in eight matches and that does not seem to be acceptable for a player who played all the matches in the league stage. However so, the team management is likely to keep their faith in Simran, as the cricketer has a lot of potentials.

All-rounders – Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Deepti Sharma, Parshavi Chopra

All-rounder Tahlia McGrath is currently in the form of her life. In eight matches so far, the Australia international has smashed 295 runs and with that, she currently is the second-leading run-scorer of the tournament. The cricketer is in terrific form with the bat and will possess a lot of threat against Mumbai Indians, who have struggled a lot in the recent games. Notably, the 27-year-old hasn’t bowled at all in the last four matches but can swing her arms if needed.

Meanwhile, Grace Harris is likely to make her return to the playing XI. Now despite playing well in the last match, Shabnim Ismail will have to make the way for Grace, who has stunned everyone with her batting skills. In five matches, the Australia-born cricketer has smashed 216 runs and with that, she is the ninth-leading run-scorer of the tournament. Now, she has played a vital role in helping UP qualify for the playoffs and now, will have the responsibility to help the team qualify for the finals.

Coming to Deepti, she hasn’t made a mark with the bat but has been very good with the ball. In eight matches so far, the 25-year-old has picked up nine wickets but her recent form is a matter of concern. She leaked a lot of runs and failed to pick up any wicket in the last two matches and thus, Deepti needs to work on certain things before UP’s clash against Mumbai.

When it comes to Parshavi, she has done a decent job so far and is likely to retain her place in the playing XI. The 16-year-old has been economical with the ball but didn’t get many opportunities to show her caliber with the bat.

Bowlers – Sophie Ecclestone, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Youngster Sophie Ecclestone has been fantastic in the ongoing WPL. The England international has picked up 14 wickets in eight matches and with that, she currently is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. Thus, without a doubt, the 23-year-old will be extremely vital in the Eliminator as she has the capability to decide the fate of the match.

Coming to the Indian duo of Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Anjali Sarvani, both have improved massively in recent games but there’s still room for improvement. Notably, Gayakwad has played seven games in the tournament and has picked up seven wickets while Anjali has picked up only three wickets in eight games.

UP Warriorz playing XI: Alyssa Healy (wk/c), Devika Vaidya, Kiran Navgire, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Deepti Sharma, Simran Shaikh, Parshavi Chopra, Sophie Ecclestone, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad