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The Match 2 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 witnessed a high-intensity encounter between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at a packed stadium. The match delivered everything from power-hitting, dramatic wickets, nerve-wracking moments, and a last-ball controversy that stole the spotlight. Delhi snatched a two-wicket victory in a heart-stopping finish, with a crucial run-out appeal on the final ball going in Delhi’s favour, a decision that sparked heated debates across social media.
Delhi Capitals’ batting dominance against Mumbai Indians
Chasing a challenging 165-run target, Delhi began in style, thanks to the blazing stroke play of Shafali Varma, who provided a quick-fire start. The right-hander took the attack to Mumbai’s bowlers, dispatching boundaries with authority and setting the momentum in Delhi’s favor. However, her dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, with Delhi struggling at 109/5 in 14.5 overs, bringing Mumbai right back into the contest. At this critical juncture, the partnership between Niki Prasad and Sarah Bryce proved to be the turning point, as the duo steadied the innings and chipped away at the target. Despite the mounting pressure, they showed remarkable composure, eventually bringing the equation down to 10 runs required off the final over.
Controversial last-ball decision that divided opinions
With two runs needed off the final ball, the tension reached its peak. Arundhati Reddy played an aerial shot over the off-side, clearing the in-field but not finding the boundary. Mumbai’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur sprinted after the ball and fired a pinpoint throw to the keeper’s end, where a run-out opportunity presented itself. As Arundhati dived full stretch to complete the second run, the Zing bails flashed, prompting immediate appeals from the Mumbai players. The moment was razor-close, and the third umpire was called into action for a meticulous review.
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The replay showed that the bails illuminated before Arundhati’s bat fully crossed the crease, leading to a moment of uncertainty. Traditionally, in cricket, a batter is considered out when the bails completely lose contact with the stumps. However, under the modern LED Zing bails rule, the wicket is deemed put down at the precise moment the lights illuminate, marking the first frame in which the bails are disturbed. After extensive scrutiny, the third umpire ruled Arundhati not out, confirming Delhi’s victory by the narrowest of margins.
— Lolzzz (@CricketerMasked) February 15, 2025
This is unacceptable. The third umpire has no clue about the Playing Conditions when LED stumps are in use.
Here's what the #WPL2025 document says: pic.twitter.com/uqTtdSOKwV
— Hemant Brar (@HemantBrar_) February 15, 2025
Parth Jindal shares his stance on umpire’s decision
The dramatic conclusion ignited a fierce debate across social media, with opinions split on whether the third umpire had made the right call. Some felt the bails had already been disturbed before Arundhati completed her dive, while others argued that the ruling was in line with the existing laws. Adding to the controversy, Delhi Capitals’ co-owner Parth Jindal expressed his gratitude towards the umpires, commending their ability to remain composed in a high-pressure situation.
“Irrespective of the result in the ongoing WPL i must applaud the 3rd umpire who is absolutely world class – to make that kind of decision and to take the replay so many frames back under so much pressure is world class @wplt20@DelhiCapitals,”Parth wrote.
Irrespective of the result in the ongoing WPL i must applaud the 3rd umpire who is absolutely world class – to make that kind of decision and to take the replay so many frames back under so much pressure is world class @wplt20 @DelhiCapitals
— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) February 15, 2025
