UP-W vs MUM-W Dream11 Prediction [Source: @UPWarriorz, @mipaltan/x.com]
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is nearing business end and Match 16 between UP Warriorz Women and Mumbai Indians Women at Ekana Cricket Stadium Lucknow on March 6 promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
For UP Warriorz, this is a do-or-die battle. The Deepti Sharma led side has struggled with inconsistency and are sitting at the bottom of the table with just two wins from six games. After a humiliating 81-run defeat against Gujarat Giants where they were bowled out for 105 while chasing 187, UPW desperately need to come back stronger. To make matters worse, they have already lost to MI earlier in the season by eight wickets. Another loss here will all but shut the doors on their playoff chances.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians Women have fared much better, winning three out of five matches and sitting in the top three. However, they too are coming into this match on the back of a nine-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals Women where they could only manage a dismal 123/9 in 20 overs. This paltry target was chased down by Delhi in just 14.3 overs. MI will be eager to regain the winning momentum in a bid to secure a finish in the top three.
Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices for UP-W vs MUM-W
Unlike some of the batting tracks in WPL, Ekana Cricket Stadium has traditionally been a bowler-friendly venue, particularly favouring spinners and slower bowlers. The pitch has produced mixed results with some high-scoring games in the first innings followed by significant slow-downs in the second.
Batters will have to capitalize on the early overs when the ball comes onto the bat nicely as stroke-making becomes tougher as the game progresses. Given these conditions, the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first and aim for a competitive total.
3. Hayley Matthews
Why Will Hayley Matthews Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain For UP-W vs MUM-W?
Hayley Matthews may not have been at her best with the bat but her amazing skill to turn games around with the ball makes her a strong fantasy pick. The MI all-rounder has been an important part of their bowling attack as she has consistently snagged wickets and maintained control in the middle overs.
Matthews has been a standout performer with the ball in WPL 2025, taking seven wickets in five matches while maintaining a decent economy rate. She picked up a match-winning 3/16 earlier in the tournament and proved how effective she can be when the conditions suit her.
While her batting hasn’t quite fired yet, Matthews is the kind of player who can explode on any given day. She has the ability to clear the ropes with ease and can single-handedly win matches if she finds her rhythm. With Ekana’s surface assisting slower bowlers, Matthews could be a game-changer in both departments which makes her a perfect captain or vice-captain choice.
2. Sophie Ecclestone
Why Will Sophie Ecclestone Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain For UP-W vs MUM-W?
When it comes to match-winning spinners, Sophie Ecclestone is one of the best in the business. The UPW left-arm spinner has been consistently picking up wickets in WPL 2025 which makes her an ideal choice for this slow surface. With six wickets in six matches, she has been a key performer for her side despite UPW’s struggles.
More importantly, Ecclestone is not just a bowler who dries up runs, she is a wicket-taker. On a pitch where batters will struggle to play big shots once the ball gets older, she will be looking to strangle MI’s power-hitters in the middle overs and pick up crucial breakthroughs.
Another underrated factor about Ecclestone is her batting ability. She has already scored 69 runs in WPL 2025 which includes a fighting knock of 33 against RCB-W when UP-W were in deep trouble.
With her match-winning bowling and handy batting, Ecclestone is a must-have in your fantasy team which makes her an excellent captain or vice-captain choice for your fantasy teams.
1. Nat Sciver-Brunt
Why Will Nat Sciver-Brunt Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain For UP-W vs MUM-W?
If you’re looking for a safe, consistent and match-winning captaincy option, Nat Sciver-Brunt is the clear choice. The English all-rounder has been in scintillating form with the bat, sitting among the top run-scorers in WPL 2025. She has played some brilliant knocks under pressure which makes her MI’s go-to player in crunch situations.
Sciver-Brunt has been one of the standout batters of the tournament, having scored a whopping 272 runs in five matches at an astonishing average of 90.66. Her ability to play both anchor and aggressor roles makes her extremely valuable, especially on a pitch where timing and placement will be more crucial than brute force. She has already registered three fifty-plus scores.
But her contributions aren’t just limited to batting. Sciver-Brunt has also made an impact with the ball, picking up seven wickets in five matches, including a 3/18 spell that changed the game for MI against UP-W itself. With her all-round ability and current form, she is the best captaincy or vice-captaincy pick for this match.