India Penalised For Slow Over-Rate In Women’s World Cup Defeat To Australia

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined the Indian women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, for failing to maintain the required over-rate during their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match against Australia in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

After factoring in time allowances, India fell one over short of their target.

As a result, the side incurred a five per cent deduction in match fees, in accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with over-rate breaches.

Match referee Michell Periera of the Emirates ICC International Panel handed down the decision after on-field umpires Sue Redfern and Nimali Perera filed the charge, supported by third umpire Kim Cotton and fourth umpire Jacquline Williams.

The ICC, in its statement, stated, “In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.”

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur accepted the charge and the fine, meaning the case did not proceed to a formal hearing.

On the pitch, the outcome was disappointing for India, as Australia scripted history with a record run chase, defeating India by three wickets to continue their flawless run in the tournament.

Batter Alyssa Healy produced a breathtaking innings, hammering 142 runs off 107 deliveries, her third World Cup century and first ODI hundred of 2025.

Her knock, the highest ever by a player against India, powered Australia to 331 for 7, achieving the biggest successful chase in Women’s World Cup history with six balls remaining.

Following the loss, India slipped to fifth place in the points table.

The team will hope to regain momentum in their upcoming clash against England at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on 19 October.