New Zealand women's cricket team fined for slow over-rate
The New Zealand women's cricket team has been penalized with a five percent deduction from their match fee. This action was taken due to the side's slow over-rate in the first Women's T20 International against Australia, which took place in MacKay on Thursday. The decision was made by Match Referee David Gilbert after it was determined that the Kiwis fell one over short of the required target, even after considering time allowances.
Penalty imposed under ICC Code of Conduct
The penalty was imposed under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This article specifically addresses minimum over-rate offenses, stipulating a five percent fine on players' match fee for every over their team fails to bowl within the allotted time. New Zealand's captain, Suzie Bates, pleaded guilty to this offense and accepted the proposed sanction without contesting it in a formal hearing.
Umpires who leveled the charge
The charge against the New Zealand women's cricket team was leveled by on-field umpires Andrew Crozier and Troy Penman. They were joined by third umpire Ben Treloar and fourth umpire Daryl Brigham in this decision. The team's acceptance of the penalty marks an end to this incident, with no further action expected from ICC or any other cricket governing body.
How the series has panned out
Australia claimed a 29-run win over New Zealand in the 2nd WT20I at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, taking a 2-0 lead. Batting first, Australia were restricted to 142/10 even though they were 114/3 at one stage. Brooke Halliday took four wickets for New Zealand Women. In response, the Kiwis fell short, managing 113/7 in 20 overs. Ashleigh Gardner took three wickets. Australia earlier won the series opener after chasing down 144.
