In a disappointing turn of events, Team India faced a double setback following their first Test against South Africa in Centurion. They succumbed to an innings and 32-run defeat and incurred a penalty for a slow over-rate, resulting in the deduction of two crucial ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points. Let’s delve into the details of this development and its implications for India’s standing in the WTC.
Match referee Chris Broad, from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, imposed a 10 percent fine on India’s match fee in addition to penalizing them two WTC points. This decision came after India was found to be two overs short of the target when time allowances were considered.
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The penalty aligns with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, where teams face a five percent match fee fine for every over they fail to bowl within the allotted time. Furthermore, Article 16.11.2 of the ICC WTC playing conditions dictates a one-point deduction for each over short, leading to India losing two vital WTC points.
🚨 JUST IN: India have been penalised for slow over rate during the first #WTC25 Test against South Africa.
Details ⬇️https://t.co/dSqixki92Z
— ICC (@ICC) December 29, 2023
After the Test loss, India, initially at No. 5 with 16 points from three Tests, saw a dip in their standings. The deduction of two points for the slow over-rate offense pushed them to No. 6, slipping below Australia, with 14 points and a points percentage of 38.89.
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The slow over-rate penalty followed India’s dismal performance in the Test match, where they posted 245 in the first innings, responding to South Africa’s commanding 408. The second innings collapsed, with only Virat Kohli standing strong with a knock of 76, as India folded for 131.
India and South Africa to lock horns with each other for the second Test of the series at Newlands in Cape Town starting from Wednesday, January 3.
