The International Cricket Council has penalized both India and West Indies for maintaining a slow over rate during the final fixture of their three-match bilateral one-day international series. The encounter took place on Saturday in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, and extended well past its scheduled finishing time. Following notifications from the on-field match officials, financial penalties were issued against both teams under the governing body's code of conduct.
Both Sides Fell Short of Required Time Allowances
Over the course of the high-scoring match, neither bowling attack managed to complete its fielding duties within the allocated time frames. During the second innings, while the home side was defending its total, the on-field umpires repeatedly reminded Indian captain Shubman Gill about the lagging over rate. However, the fielding unit could not recover the lost minutes. According to details shared regarding the match timings, after accounting for all valid stoppages and time allowances, West Indies were found to be two overs short of their target upon completing their 50 overs in the field. India faced a larger deficit during their bowling stint, finishing four overs behind the schedule.
Penalties Accepted Under the ICC Code of Conduct
Match referee Prakash Bhatt imposed the sanctions in accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Staff. Under this specific regulation, teams are fined five percent of their match fee for every over they fail to bowl within the allotted window. Consequently, India incurred a 20 percent match fee deduction for their four-over shortfall, while West Indies received a 10 percent penalty for falling two overs short. The charges were officially leveled by on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sam Nogajski, alongside third umpire Sharfuddoula and fourth umpire Virender Sharma. Both Indian skipper Shubman Gill and West Indies captain Shai Hope accepted the proposed sanctions, eliminating the need for a formal disciplinary hearing.
Thriller Ended in Defeat for Hosts Despite Crossing 350
Before the over-rate penalties took center stage, the match itself produced a high-scoring spectacle. Batting first, India posted a formidable 351 for seven in their 50 overs. Despite the steep target, the visiting side executed a remarkable chase, reaching 352 for five in 48.2 overs to seal a memorable victory. West Indies skipper Shai Hope spearheaded the pursuit with an unbeaten 162 runs from 143 deliveries. While West Indies clinched the third encounter, India retained the overall one-day international series trophy with a 2-1 margin after securing wins in the opening two games.
