India’s Women’s World Cup campaign has taken a small financial hit after the side was judged to be an over short in its defeat to Australia in Visakhapatnam on 12 October. The slow-over-rate breach will cost the players 5% of their match fees.
Match referee Chris Broad confirmed the sanction once captain Harmanpreet Kaur accepted the charge. With allowances taken into account, India still finished one over shy while trying, and ultimately failing, to defend 330. Australia crossed the line by three wickets with six balls to spare.
ICC playing conditions are clear: “Players are fined 5% for every over they fail to bowl within the allotted time to complete the innings.” As India missed the cut-off by a single over, the minimum penalty was handed down and no formal hearing was required.
The slip leaves Harmanpreet’s side fourth on the table. Two wins at the start of the group stage were followed by defeats to South Africa and Australia, tightening the race for semi-final spots. Next up is England in Indore on Sunday, when India will hope for sharper bowling rhythms as well as points.
