Watch: Harmanpreet Kaur and Sophie Ecclestone involved in a nasty fight as WPL final inches close

The Women's Premier League (WPL 2025) season is reaching its business end, with competition intensifying between the franchises. Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur and UP Warriorz bowler Sophie Ecclestone were involved in a heated verbal exchange during the 16th match of the tournament.

Mumbai Indians defeated UP Warriorz by six wickets in Lucknow on Thursday, March 6. With this victory, the inaugural champions moved up to second place in the WPL 2025 points table. Meanwhile, UP Warriorz remain at the bottom of the five-team standings after yet another disappointing result.

Watch: Harmanpreet Kaur and Sophie Ecclestone Involved in Heated Verbal Exchange

Mumbai Indians’ victory over UP Warriorz was overshadowed by a heated exchange between Harmanpreet Kaur and Sophie Ecclestone.

The incident occurred at the end of the 19th over in UP Warriorz' innings. Umpire Ajitesh Argal informed Harmanpreet that only three fielders would be allowed outside the circle in the final over due to a slow over rate. Harmanpreet Kaur was visibly upset and argued with the umpire.

Amelia Kerr, who was set to bowl the last over, also joined the conversation. Sophie Ecclestone, stationed at the non-striker’s end, approached the umpire to provide her input. Harmanpreet Kaur was frustrated with Ecclestone’s interference and pointed fingers at her.

The two cricketers exchanged words before the on-field umpires intervened, and the match resumed shortly after. UP Warriorz ended their innings at 150/9, with Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma being dismissed in the final over. Deepti scored 27 runs, while Ecclestone managed 16.

Have a look at the video right here:

Here is the video 🤣🤣 https://t.co/lMjmqNlbzB pic.twitter.com/wXx95joOY1

— 🐐 (@itshitmanera) March 6, 2025

Hayley Matthews Helps Mumbai Indians Secure Six-Wicket Victory

Amelia Kerr was dismissed for 10 runs in the third over. Hayley Matthews smashed 68 runs off 46 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes. She added a match-winning 92-run stand with Nat Sciver-Brunt (37 off 23 balls). Deepti Sharma broke the partnership with a stunning catch to remove Sciver-Brunt.

Mumbai needed only 35 runs from 43 balls at that stage. Matthews hit a boundary through deep cover and a six over deep backward square leg off Kranti Goud. The Mumbai-based franchise sealed the chase in the penultimate over with six wickets in hand, which also boosted their net run rate (NRR).

Amelia Kerr's Five-Wicket Haul Restricts UP Warriorz to 150

Earlier, MI opted to bowl first, but UP Warriorz got off to a strong start at 74/0. However, they suffered a collapse, losing nine wickets for just 76 runs in the last 12.1 overs. Amelia Kerr took five wickets for 38 runs. The New Zealand leg-spinner became the sixth player in WPL history to take a five-wicket haul.

Mumbai Indians, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will face Gujarat Giants in their next match in the WPL 2025 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on March 10. A victory in this match will make Mumbai the second team to qualify for the playoffs. Mumbai now have eight points, just two behind Delhi Capitals.

Also read: IPL 2025: Huge blow for SRH! Brydon Carse ruled out, SA star named as replacement