Team India has been fined five per cent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate during their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup match against Australia in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. The match, a high-scoring thriller, saw Australia pull off a record chase to win by three wickets.

According to an official ICC statement, match referee Michell Periera from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the fine after India were found to be one over short of the required rate, even after considering time allowances.

“In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” the ICC said.

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur accepted responsibility for the offence and pleaded guilty to the charge, which meant that no formal hearing was necessary. The on-field umpires Sue Redfern and Nimali Perera, along with third umpire Kim Cotton and fourth umpire Jacquline Williams, were the officials who levelled the charge.

The penalty comes at a crucial juncture for the Indian team, who now face a must-win encounter against England on Sunday in Indore to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Despite the setback, India will be keen to bounce back strongly and address their over-rate concerns as the tournament enters its decisive phase.