For Match 8 of WPL 2026, taking place today, January 15, at the DY Patil Stadium, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have confirmed a significant shake-up in their overseas combination for the clash against UP Warriorz (UPW). In a tactical pivot from their previous match, Hayley Matthews is not playing, while the powerhouse all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt has returned to the starting XI.

WPL 2026: Why Hayley Matthews is not playing today’s MI-W vs UP-W match

The defending champions have opted to bench star West Indian all-rounder Matthews for today’s high-stakes encounter against the Warriorz. Despite Matthews featuring in the previous game following her recovery from a shoulder niggle, the team management has decided to implement a strict workload management program.

At the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur clarified the tactical nature of this decision, stating that Matthews is ‘resting’ to ensure she is fresh for the remainder of the season, while also rewarding the standout form of other squad members. The decision was driven by the need to balance a winning combination with player fitness. Since Nicola Carey has been in match-winning form contributing with both bat and ball, the management felt it was vital to keep her in the XI. This created a selection squeeze among the four overseas slots, resulting in Matthews sitting out despite her recent return from a shoulder injury.

“We have one change – Nat (Sciver-Brunt) is back in the side and Hayley (Matthews) is resting today. She (Carey) is someone who is contributing with both bat and ball, she is in form and should continue playing.” Harmanpreet said.

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Mumbai Indians maintain balance against a desperate UP Warriorz side

The most vital boost for Mumbai tonight is the return of Sciver-Brunt, who was forced to sit out the last game due to a sudden bout of illness. Having fully recovered, she steps back into her role as the team’s primary anchor. Her presence provides a massive tactical advantage, as she bolsters the middle-order batting stability and offers a reliable medium-pace option that allows Harmanpreet to rotate her bowlers more aggressively during the middle overs.

With Sciver-Brunt in and Matthews out, the Mumbai have restructured their lineup to maintain balance against a desperate UP Warriorz side. The overseas quartet for today consists of Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail and Carey.

This shift places a unique responsibility on the young Indian core. In the absence of Matthews at the top, teenage sensation G Kamalini is expected to take on a more aggressive role in the powerplay, potentially partnering with Kerr or Sciver-Brunt. The strategy appears to favor a deeper batting lineup, with Carey and Sajeevan Sajana providing late-innings firepower, while the bowling unit relies on the pace of Ismail and the spin wizardry of Kerr to dismantle the UPW top order.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.