Mumbai Indians’ skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has been reprimanded and fined 10 percent of her match fee for violating the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Code of Conduct during Match 16 against UP Warriorz at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
The experienced batter was found guilty of a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8, which pertains to expressing dissent at an umpire’s decision. As per regulations, the Match Referee’s verdict on Level 1 breaches is final and binding.
The incident unfolded during the latter stages of the match, sparking a tense moment on the field. In the 19th over, umpire Ajitesh Argal informed Harmanpreet that, due to Mumbai Indians’ slow over rate, only three fielders would be allowed outside the circle in the final over.
Unhappy with the ruling, the Mumbai skipper engaged in a discussion with the umpire, with Kiwi all-rounder Amelia Kerr also stepping in to express her displeasure.
Amidst this exchange, UP Warriorz’s left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who was at the non-striker’s end, walked up to Argal to put forward her point. However, this intervention didn’t sit well with Harmanpreet, leading to a verbal spat between the two players. The heated altercation prompted the on-field umpires to step in and de-escalate the situation before play resumed.
Despite the moment of controversy, Mumbai Indians ensured their focus remained intact, delivering a dominant performance with both bat and ball. Opener Hayley Matthews stole the spotlight with a scintillating knock of 68 runs off 46 balls, providing the perfect foundation for Mumbai’s chase. Meanwhile, Kerr produced her best bowling spell at the WPL, registering impressive figures of 5/38 to keep the Warriorz in check.
Chasing a target of 151, Mumbai Indians showcased their firepower, comfortably securing a six-wicket victory over the struggling Warriorz. The win propelled Mumbai Indians to second place on the points table, strengthening their position in the playoff race. On the other hand, UP Warriorz found themselves on the brink of elimination after suffering their third consecutive defeat.
With eight points in their kitty, Mumbai Indians will next face Gujarat Giants on March 10, aiming to continue their winning momentum. Meanwhile, UP Warriorz will look to bounce back when they take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 8.
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