India fined for slow over-rate in fourth T20 against New Zealand

The Indian team was on Saturday (February 1) docked 40 percent of its match fee for slow over-rate in the fourth T20 International against New Zealand at the Westpack Stadium in Wellington.

ICC match referee Chris Broad imposed the sanctions after Virat Kohli’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the target on Friday (January 31) after time allowances were taken into consideration.

“In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 percent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” the ICC said in a statement.

Also read: India up for rare 5-0 whitewash in final T20I against New Zealand

On-field umpires Chris Brown and Shaun Haig, and third umpire Ashley Mehrotra had levelled the charges.

Skipper Kohli pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

This comes a day after India beat New Zealand in the super over to stretch their lead to 4-0 in the five-match series.

Also read: India adds to New Zealand’s Super Over misery, leads series by 4-0

The tourists, who are eyeing a 5-0 series whitewash, will take on the Black Caps on Sunday (February 2) in Wellington. After clinching the third T20I in Hamilton, the Men In Blue sealed their maiden shortest format series on New Zealand soil.

It’ll be interesting to see if the fifth and final game also leads up to a Super Over which is dreaded by the Kiwis as they have not won any match via a Super Over since 2008.

(With inputs from agencies)