Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya has been fined after his team maintained the slow over-rate during the IPL 2024 clash against Punjab Kings at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday, April 18.
Mumbai Indians pulled off a thrilling nine-run win over the Punjab Kings to earn their third win of the ongoing IPL season. After posting a total of 192/7 in 20 overs on the board, thanks to Suryakumar Yadav's 78 off 53 balls, MI bowlers managed to bundle out PBKS for 183 in 19.1 overs.
PBKS middle-order batter Ashutosh Sharma took Mumbai Indians' bowling attack to the cleaners but his dismissal turned the tables around for the visitors. Ashutosh played a valiant knock of 61 off 28 balls, pulling the team from a shambolic situation with the score at 77/6.
However, in the final over of the match, Mumbai Indians faced a slow-over penalty as they were an over behind; thus, the visitors had to place only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle.
In a statement released by BCCI, Hardik Pandya and his team found guilty for maintaining slow over-rate during the match against Punjab Kings and therefore, Mumbai Indians captain has been fined INR 12 lakh as it was first offence of breaching IPL slow over-rate rule.
"Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians captain, has been fined after his team maintained a slow over rate during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Punjab Kings at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur on April 18." statement read.
"As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offences, Pandya was fined ₹12 lakhs," statement added.
Mumbai Indians moved to the 7th spot after win over Punjab Kings
After their third win against Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians moved to seventh spot on the points table with six points. The five-time champions had a disappointing start to the IPL campaign as they lost three consecutive matches against Gujarat Titans, SunRisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.
However, Hardik Pandya-led side bounced back with two wins on the trot against Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. MI suffered their fourth defeat of the season against Chennai Super Kings.
Mumbai Indians will play their next match against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Monday, April 22. MI need to win next five out of seven matches to finish in top 4 and qualify for the playoffs.
