WPL: Mithali Raj comments on heated exchange between Harmanpreet, Ecclestone
What's the story
Former Indian cricket captain Mithali Raj has weighed in on the recent spat between Mumbai Indians's skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and UP Warriorz's Sophie Ecclestone.
The incident occurred during a Women's Premier League match at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where Mumbai Indians were penalized for a slow over-rate.
As a result, the umpire restricted them to three fielders outside the circle in the final over, sparking a heated exchange involving Harmanpreet, Amelia Kerr, and Ecclestone.
Here's more.
Fine
Harmanpreet Kaur fined for altercation with Sophie Ecclestone
Harmanpreet was fined 10% of her match fee for breaching the WPL Code of Conduct.
The penalty followed a heated exchange between Kaur and Ecclestone.
As mentioned, the altercation took place in the last over of the Warriorz's innings when MI were fined for a slow over-rate.
Meanwhile, Ecclestone, at the non-striker's end, intervened to share her perspective, further escalating Kaur's frustration.
The MI captain responded with fiery gestures and words, escalating the situation.
Incident breakdown
Raj analyzes the incident
Raj explained that Mumbai Indians were four minutes behind the over rate, resulting in an extra fielder inside the circle.
She speculated that Harmanpreet was discussing the penalty with the umpire and contemplating if she wanted Shabnim Ismail to bowl.
"I couldn't quite figure out what Ecclestone was trying to do in that moment," Raj stated, speaking on Cricket Live on JioHotstar.
"As a captain, it can be frustrating to have another player step into that conversation," Raj added.
Game summary
Match outcome and player performances
Despite the off-field controversy, Mumbai Indians registered a six-wicket victory over UP Warriorz.
They chased down 151 runs with six wickets and nine balls to spare.
Hayley Matthews was the star performer with a 68-run knock off 48 balls, while Kerr contributed significantly with the ball, returning with her career -best WPL figures of 5/38.
Mumbai chased down the 151-run target in just 18.3 overs, jumping to second place on the points table and improving their net run rate.
Team analysis
UP Warriorz's batting performance and future prospects
For UP Warriorz, this defeat was their third in a row, leaving them on the verge of elimination.
Georgia Voll's 55 off 33 balls spearheaded their batting but fell short of clinching a victory.
Their upcoming match against the Gujarat Giants on March 10 will be pivotal in deciding their fate in the tournament.
Twitter Post
A video of the altercation posted by an X user
Heated Moment Between Harmenpreet Kaur and Sophie Ecclestonein WPL Match 🤣pic.twitter.com/y94f904JMG
— Vikas Yadav (@VikasYadav66200) March 7, 2025