UP Warriorz Wanted To End WPL 2025 On A Positive Note: Deepti Sharma

Despite crashing out of a chance to progress to the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 playoffs, UP Warriorz (UPW) put on an excellent show in their final match of the season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Lucknow on March 8 (Saturday). Batting first, they scored 225, the highest-ever WPL total and their bowlers held their nerves to eke out a 12-run victory to send RCB packing.

Despite a disappointing campaign, Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma said she is delighted to have ended the campaign on a positive note. "We wanted to end the tournament on a positive note," said Deepti at the post-match press conference.

"It was good to see a nice crowd in. There was a lot of noise and often we couldn't hear each other properly on the ground. It was good to see them come out in numbers. We know we didn't start well in the tournament, but we were keen to end it on a positive note."

Georgia Voll and Grace Harris once again got their side off to a terrific start, as they did agianst Mumbai Indians (MI) in the previous match. However, this time around, the middle-order also rallied and got the Warriorz to a formidable total.

Voll finished unbeaten on 99, while Harris smashed 39 off 22 before needlessly being run-out. "When the team wins, everything looks bright, but when the team is losing, a lot of things look wrong. We clicked well as a team today with everyone stepping up," Deepti said.

"That didn't quite happen in our previous game, although we had the same team. Our middle order didn't quite click this season but today, we did well and batters took responsibility."

This was Deepti's first season as captain in the WPL. While things did not go according to plan for her, she says that there is no extra pressure with the added responsibility. "I have enjoyed this opportunity given by the franchise to lead the side," the all-rounder said. 

"It is a different challenge to playing as just a player. You have to be alert on the ground and think a lot about whom to give the ball to, set the fields etc. I learnt all these during the WPL and there is obviously room for improvement. There is a good influx of talent in our group and that's pleasing to see.

"I love challenges. Not every day is the same for any player or captain. Whichever match I play, I try to learn whether I win or lose. I don't think there was any extra pressure because I have always enjoyed challenges. I have learnt a lot and next season, there will be a lot more improvement."

UP finish the tournament with three wins from eight matches, and are currently fourth on the table. However, if RCB beat MI in their next game, they could finish at the bottom.