The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized the Indian women’s cricket team for maintaining a slow over rate during their World Cup clash against Australia on Sunday. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side was found short of the required rate and, as a result, has been fined five percent of its total match fee. The setback came on a disappointing day for India, who failed to defend a massive total of 330 runs as Australia, powered by Alyssa Healy’s stunning century, chased down the target with an over remaining. This marked India’s second consecutive defeat after their earlier loss to South Africa.
The ICC issued an official statement confirming the penalty. “India have been fined five per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against Australia in their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup league match in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Michell Periera of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction as India were ruled to be one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration,” the release said.
It further explained, “In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur pled guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Sue Redfern and Nimali Perera, third umpire Kim Cotton and fourth umpire Jacquline Williams levelled the charge.”
India’s World Cup journey has been a mix of highs and lows so far. With two victories and two defeats, the team currently stands fourth on the points table, while Australia tops the chart with seven points. India started the tournament strongly, recording dominant wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan by 59 and 88 runs respectively. However, their campaign took a turn with back-to-back losses.
The defeat against Australia was particularly frustrating, as India’s batters delivered a strong performance. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal both hit half-centuries, helping India post a formidable score. But Alyssa Healy’s commanding 142, along with key contributions from Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Ashleigh Gardner, sealed the victory for the Aussies.
Despite the setback, India remains in contention for a semi-final spot, though the team will now need to tighten its bowling discipline and regain consistency in upcoming matches to stay in the race.
