India Fined For Slow Over-Rate In Fifth T20I Against New Zealand

Team India has been 20 per cent of its match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The Men in Blue beat New Zealand by seven runs in the final game to clean sweep the three-match series.

Batting first, India posted 163 for 3 in the allotted 20 overs. Rohit Sharma top-scored for the hosts, scoring 60 before retiring hurt. In reply, New Zealand ended up on 156 for 9. The Black Caps were off to a disastrous start as they were reduced to 17 for 3.

However, a 99-run stand between Tim Seifert and Ross Taylor put them in a strong position before they suffered an almighty collapse to end up on 156 for 9. Both Taylor and Seifert scored fifties but their efforts were not enough to ensure a win for the side.

MUST WATCH: #TeamIndia relish the 5-0 series sweep ????

Post-win scenes from Tauranga – by @rajalarora and the fielding coach @coach_rsridhar

Full Video here ?? https://t.co/58zo6gUOMv pic.twitter.com/ozPNd6nSem

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 2, 2020

But India’s monumental series win was a bit marred by the fine imposed on them for the slow over-rate.  Match referee Chris Broad imposed the sanction after the visitors were ruled to be one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

“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 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” the ICC said in a statement.

Rohit Sharma, who was the captain as Virat Kohli was rested, pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction. Consequently, there was no need for a formal hearing. This is the second successive time that Virat Kohli’s men have been fined for slow over-rate.

Last week, India were docked 40 per cent of its match fee after falling short of target by two overs in the fourth T20I. Both the teams will now lock horns in a three-match ODI series, starting on February 5.

Also Read: Mayank Agarwal Replaces Rohit Sharma For New Zealand ODIs