WPL 2026: Why Hayley Matthews missed the MI vs UPW clash?

The MI vs UPW clash, which is the eighth match of the WPL 2026, is underway at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The game holds value for both teams, especially UP Warriorz, who are yet to win a single game in the tournament.

The MI vs UPW clash saw the Meg Lanning-led side win the toss and opt to field. MI are entering the clash on the back of two back-to-back wins. They would be keen to carry on their good form and register yet another win in the tournament. 

On the other hand, UPW are struggling and are reeling at the last spot on the points table. This will be a do-or-die clash for them as they need a win to stay in contention. They were in action last night as well and would be tired, but a win is a must for them.

WPL 2026: Why Hayley Matthews missed the MI vs UPW clash?

Coming into the match, MI made one change for the  MI vs UPW clash. They left out Hayley Matthews and added Nat Sciver Brunt in the XI, which raised the eyebrows of many, who wondered why she had been left out of the side.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur revealed the same and stated that Hayley Matthews has been rested and Sciver Brunt has been added to the XI. Speaking at the toss, she said: 

“It's a great feeling altogether and hopefully keep enjoying the cricket the way we did in the World Cup. We have one change - Nat (Sciver-Brunt) is back in the side and Hayley (Matthews) is resting today.”

Hayley Matthews missed the first two games of the WPL 2026 due to illness. She was back in the side for the last game, but couldn’t make a big impact. 

MI vs UPW: Playing XI of both teams

Mumbai Indians Women (Playing XI): Gunalan Kamalini(w), Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Sajeevan Sajana, Sanskriti Gupta, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Triveni Vasistha

UP Warriorz Women (Playing XI): Kiran Navgire, Meg Lanning(c), Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Shweta Sehrawat(w), Chloe Tryon, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana Joy, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud