The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a fine on the India Women’s Cricket Team. The penalty came after the side maintained a slow over rate during the third ODI against Australia in Delhi. The match, played at Arun Jaitley Stadium, ended in disappointment for the hosts. India lost the game by 43 runs, and then faced another setback with a financial penalty.
Match Referee Confirms Decision
Match referee GS Lakshmi announced that India fell short of the required overs. The team was found to be two overs behind schedule. As per ICC rules, the team was fined ten percent of their match fee. Lakshmi stated that the penalty was mandatory since the delay violated ICC regulations. The fine has been accepted by India, which means no formal hearing was required.
ICC Code of Conduct on Over Rate
According to Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, fines are imposed for slow over rates. For every over short, players are fined five percent of their match fees. Since India Women were two overs behind, a total fine of ten percent was applied. This rule ensures teams maintain the flow of the game and complete their overs within the set timeframe.
Series Outcome and Impact
The fine came after India lost the three-match ODI series against Australia. Australia Women clinched the series 2-1 with their strong win in Delhi. For the Indian team, the penalty added to the disappointment of the series defeat. The side, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, struggled to keep pace with the strict ICC standards during the final game.
Highlights of the Third ODI Match
Australia Women won the toss and chose to bat first in Delhi. Their batting lineup delivered a dominant performance. Captain Alyssa Healy scored 30 runs, providing a steady start. Georgia Wareham played an explosive innings of 81, smashing 14 boundaries. Ellyse Perry contributed with a well-made 68 from 72 balls. Beth Mooney was the star of the innings with 138 runs, including 23 fours and one six. Ashleigh Gardner added 39 crucial runs. Despite the strong batting, the team was bowled out for 412 in 47.5 overs.
India faced a tough chase. Opener Pratika Rawal departed early for just 10 runs. Smriti Mandhana played a stunning knock of 125 runs from 63 balls. Her innings included 17 fours and five sixes, bringing the crowd alive. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added 52 runs with her steady batting. Deepti Sharma showed resilience with 72 runs off 58 balls. Sneha Rani chipped in with 35 runs, but the total was not enough. India finished with 369 runs in 47 overs, falling 43 runs short.
Mandhana’s Performance Despite Defeat
Smriti Mandhana’s innings stood out as the highlight for India. Her aggressive batting gave hope to the side despite an early collapse. She dominated the Australian bowlers with clean hitting across the ground. However, the lack of support from the top order hurt India’s chances. While Deepti and Harmanpreet added vital runs, the chase eventually proved too steep.
Australia Seals the Series 2-1
With this win, Australia Women secured the ODI series by a 2-1 margin. Their batting depth and disciplined bowling made the difference throughout the matches. The third ODI in Delhi proved decisive as India failed to match the visitors’ intensity. The Australians celebrated their win while India reflected on missed opportunities and the penalty handed down by ICC.
Reaction to the ICC Penalty
The fine imposed by ICC is seen as a reminder of maintaining discipline. Slow over rates have been a recurring issue across formats in international cricket. Officials stress that timely over completion is crucial for the spirit of the game. For India Women, the financial penalty was minor, but the message was significant. It underlined the importance of efficiency under pressure situations.
India’s Recent Over Rate Issues
This is not the first time India Women have faced slow over rate penalties. In recent years, several teams, including India, have been fined for similar reasons. The ICC has been firm in applying penalties to ensure fair play. Teams are urged to maintain momentum, especially in high-profile series where viewership is global.
The Importance of Over Rate in Cricket
Maintaining the over rate is vital for cricket’s integrity. Slow play not only delays results but also affects spectator engagement. ICC has consistently emphasized the need for strict enforcement. By imposing fines, the governing body ensures teams respect time limits. Players and captains are held responsible for keeping the game moving.
Indian Team’s Response
The India Women’s Cricket Team accepted the fine without objection. This acceptance prevented a formal hearing. It also showed the team’s willingness to adhere to ICC rules. The side will now aim to avoid further penalties in upcoming matches. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad are expected to focus more on over rate management in future series.
Looking Ahead for India Women
Despite the setback, India Women will aim to bounce back in upcoming fixtures. The team has shown promise, with stars like Mandhana and Deepti leading the charge. However, areas like discipline, fielding, and over rate management need improvement. With upcoming tournaments on the horizon, the side must balance aggressive play with strict adherence to ICC regulations.
The ICC fine on India Women’s Cricket Team for slow over rate highlights discipline issues. While the team fought hard in the Delhi ODI, their efforts ended in defeat. Australia dominated with a strong batting display, winning the match by 43 runs. The fine of ten percent of match fees served as a reminder to maintain pace. Going forward, India Women must combine skill, fitness, and discipline to achieve success. The penalty may be small, but the lesson is vital for future campaigns.
