WPL 2024 Eliminator - Fans debate as MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur escapes dismissal despite bat in the air

The 3rd umpire's decision did not sit well with some fans who were soon to question why Harmanpreet Kaur was not given OUT!

Harmanpreet Kaur

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 Eliminator between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) witnessed the latter posting 135 runs on the board for 6 wickets in 20 overs. However, during their chase, MI lost both its openers after a promising start, and their captain Harmanpreet Kaur also had a close call that nearly led to her dismissal.

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In the third ball of the 8th over, bowled by Georgia Wareham to Nat Sciver-Brunt, Kaur, newly arrived at the crease, called for a quick single after the ball was nudged towards the short fine. The ball was swiftly returned to the keeper's end by Asha Sobhana, with Richa Ghosh breaking the stumps. Despite Kaur's dive and sliding the bat past the line, the bat was airborne when the stumps were broken. However, according to the third umpire, since the batter had reached the ground earlier, she survived. The umpire explained that the bat was in the air due to forward momentum.

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However, this decision has stirred controversy among some fans who question why Kaur was not given out, given that her bat was off the ground when the stumps were broken.

As of writing this article, after 16 overs, MI has scored 104 runs, losing three wickets. The defending champions need Mumbai Indians need 32 runs in 24 balls.

For RCB, they experienced a batting collapse, but Ellyse Perry held firm, smashing 66 off 50 balls. Georgia Wareham also contributed towards the end, scoring 18 off 10 balls.

Regarding the clash, at the toss, MI made one change, bringing in Yastika Bhatia in place of Priyanka Bala. Bhatia, who missed Mumbai's last league game due to illness, is reportedly back in action.

Teams:

Mumbai Indians Women (Playing XI): Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia(w), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Pooja Vastrakar, S Sajana, Humaira Kazi, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana(c), Sophie Molineux, Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, Richa Ghosh(w), Georgia Wareham, Disha Kasat, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Shraddha Pokharkar, Renuka Thakur Singh.

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