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The recent debacle between Harmanpreet Kaur and Sophie Ecclestone has sparked major talking point in the cricketing community. The incident took place during Mumbai Indians‘ clash against UP Warriorz at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where Mumbai were penalized for a slow over-rate. Consequently, the umpire imposed a restriction, limiting them to only three fielders outside the circle in the final over. This decision led to a heated exchange involving Harmanpreet, Amelia Kerr, and Ecclestone, as tensions flared on the field.
Mithali Raj backs Harmanpreet Kaur’s actions
The altercation occurred in the final over of the game when, at the non-striker’s end, Ecclestone stepped in to offer her perspective, which only heightened Harmanpreet’s frustration. In response, the MI captain reacted with fiery gestures and words, further intensifying the situation. As a result, she was fined 10% of her match fee for violating the WPL Code of Conduct. Mithali Raj, had some interesting thoughts to share on the whole incident during a discussion on Cricket Live on JioHotstar.
“I believe Mumbai Indians were four minutes behind the over rate, which meant they had to bring an extra fielder inside the ring – allowing only three fielders on the boundary. Harmanpreet was likely discussing this with the umpire and reconsidering whether she would have bowled Shabnim Ismail in the 19th over had she known earlier. But I couldn’t quite figure out what Ecclestone was trying to do in that moment. As a captain, when you’re already dealing with an over-rate penalty and adjusting your field, it can be frustrating to have another player step into that conversation. I think it was just a moment of emotion,” Mithali remarked.
Also Read: Harmanpreet Kaur fined for code of conduct breach following verbal clash with umpires and Sophie Ecclestone in WPL 2025
A nail-biting contest resulted in triumph for Mumbai
Mumbai secured a comfortable 6-wicket victory over Warriorz. Chasing a target of 151, MI reached 153/4 in 18.3 overs, with 9 balls to spare. The standout performer for Mumbai was Hayley Matthews, who played a match-defining role with both bat and ball. Matthews scored a brilliant 68 off 46 balls, anchoring the chase with a commanding knock. She also made valuable contributions with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 25 runs. Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award, guiding MI Women to a well-deserved win.
