WPL: Controversial Umpiring Decisions Spark Debate in DC vs MI Thriller

Delhi Capitals edge past Mumbai Indians in a last-ball thriller as three disputed run-out decisions favor DC, leaving MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur visibly frustrated.

Vadodara (Gujarat), February 16: Delhi Capitals (DC) clinched a dramatic last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Vadodara, but the match was overshadowed by three contentious run-out decisions that left MI fuming. Third umpire Gayathri Venugopalan ruled all three batters not out, seemingly overlooking the moment the LED stumps first illuminated—sparking widespread debate on umpiring accuracy, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Former India captain Mithali Raj, speaking on JioHotstar, expressed her opinion that at least two of these decisions—regarding Shikha Pandey and Radha Yadav—should have gone in MI’s favor.

“Pandey was given not out while the bat was on the crease line,” Raj said. “And with Radha Yadav, we can clearly see her bat in the air when the stumps first lit up. That means she was out. The bat was never inside the crease at that moment.”

The Three Controversial Run-Outs:

1️⃣ Shikha Pandey’s Decision (18th Over)
With DC chasing MI’s target, Pandey attempted a quick bye after missing a shot but was sent back. The direct hit at the striker’s end led to a run-out review. Replays showed her bat was on the crease line when the LED stumps first illuminated. However, the third umpire focused on a later frame where the bails were fully dislodged, by which time Pandey had safely made her ground—leading to a not-out verdict.

2️⃣ Radha Yadav’s Decision (19th Over)
A mix-up saw Radha diving full-stretch to make the crease while her partner, Niki Prasad, was stranded mid-pitch. Wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia broke the stumps as Radha’s bat hovered above the crease. Replays indicated her bat was not grounded when the stumps first lit up, yet the umpire ruled her not out—choosing a later frame where her bat had finally touched down. On the very next ball, Radha smashed a six, further tilting the match in DC’s favor.

3️⃣ Arundhati Reddy’s Last-Ball Decision
With two runs required off the final delivery, Reddy lofted the ball over cover, just evading Harmanpreet Kaur’s outstretched hands. As she scrambled for the second run, Harmanpreet fired a direct throw to Bhatia, who broke the stumps. Yet again, the third umpire deemed that the batter had made her ground before the wicket was completely dislodged, handing DC the victory.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s Frustration & Umpiring Debate

MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur was visibly furious, engaging in a heated discussion with on-field umpires N Janani and Anish Sahasrabudhe. The controversial decisions led to intense scrutiny over the application of Appendix D in WPL 2025 playing conditions, which dictates when the wicket is officially considered broken when LED stumps are used.

While DC celebrated their nerve-wracking win, questions remain over the consistency of umpiring calls—adding fuel to the ongoing debate about the use of technology in cricket officiating.

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DC vs MI controversy, WPL umpiring debate, Harmanpreet Kaur reaction, Delhi Capitals win, Mumbai Indians loss, LED stumps rule, Shikha Pandey run out, Radha Yadav decision, WPL 2025, Mithali Raj analysis