WI vs IND: West Indies and India fined for slow over-rate in 1st T20I

By India Today Sports Desk: West Indies and India were hit with fines for slow over-rate during the first T20I match that took place in Trinidad on August 3.

During the first T20I match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium in Tarouba, both India and West Indies cricket teams faced penalties for not maintaining the required over-rate. The two teams were unable to meet the minimum over-rate during their respective bowling innings, resulting in fines.

The Indian team, falling short by one over during their bowling innings, had a five per cent deduction from their match fees. Conversely, the West Indies team, which fell short by two overs, saw a ten percent reduction in their match fees.

These penalties were imposed in line with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to offences related to the minimum over-rate. As per this rule, for every over that a team fails to bowl within the stipulated time, a fine of five per cent of their match fees is levied, with a maximum limit of 50 per cent of the match fee.

Both team captains, Hardik Pandya of India and Rovman Powell of West Indies, acknowledged their teams’ shortcomings, eliminating the need for an additional hearing. The charges were brought forward by on-field umpires Gregory Brathwaite and Patrick Gustard, as well as third umpire Nigel Duguid and fourth umpire Leslie Reifer.

Despite the penalty, the West Indies team emerged victorious in the match, successfully defending a target of 150 and restricting India to a score of 145/9.

The West Indies, led by Captain Powell, put up a total of 149 runs on the board. Powell himself was the top scorer with 48 runs, while Nicholas Pooran contributed a valuable 41 runs. Despite being dropped twice, Powell managed to steer his team’s innings with courage and determination. The Indian bowlers, particularly Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh, put up a commendable performance, each taking two wickets.

In response, the Indian team struggled to get going. Their openers, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, failed to make an impact. However, debutant Tilak Varma stood out with an impressive 39 runs off 22 deliveries. Despite his efforts, the Indian team fell short by four runs, ending with a score of 145/9 in 20 overs.

This victory gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.