The WPL 2025 clash between Mumbai Indians Women (MIW) and Delhi Capitals Women (DCW) saw a dramatic moment when Nat Sciver-Brunt unleashed a powerful drive that forced both the umpire and bowler Arundhati Reddy to duck for cover.
The incident occurred in the 17th over when Sciver-Brunt, who was batting with aggressive intent, smashed a ferocious straight drive off Arundhati Reddy. The shot was so powerful that the bowler instinctively ducked, while the umpire at the non-striker’s end also had to take evasive action to avoid being hit.
A moment of reflex and survival
- Arundhati Reddy, in her follow-through, stretched out her hand but couldn’t stop the ball.
- The umpire, standing in the direct line of the shot, had to instantly react, lowering his head just in time to avoid impact.
- The ball then raced past the diving long-off fielder, who also couldn’t stop it, resulting in a stunning boundary.
The moment sent a wave of shock and amusement across the stadium, as replays showed just how close the umpire was to being struck. It highlighted both the brutal power of Nat Sciver-Brunt’s batting and the dangerous reality of standing as an umpire in a high-intensity T20 match.
Sciver-Brunt’s masterclass under pressure
Despite MIW losing wickets at regular intervals, Nat Sciver-Brunt led the charge with an incredible 80 off 59 balls. Her innings included 13 boundaries, with this particular shot standing out as a testament to her strength and timing.
Umpires under fire – a growing concern in modern cricket?
With batters hitting harder than ever in modern cricket, concerns around umpire safety have been a topic of discussion. While this particular incident ended without harm, it served as a reminder of how vulnerable umpires can be in the firing line.
As the tournament progresses, will protective gear for umpires become a necessity in T20 cricket? This close call may reignite discussions about additional safety measures for match officials in the game’s shortest format.