The Australian women’s cricket team was penalized for a slow over-rate following their crushing 102-run defeat to India in the second ODI at Mullanpur (Chandigarh) on Friday. Captain Alyssa Healy accepted the fine imposed on the team.
Penalty Imposed by ICC
Australia was fined 10% of its match fee after being found two overs short of the required over-rate, even after accounting for time allowances. The penalty, imposed by GS Lakshmi, an ICC International Panel Match Referee, is in line with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which stipulates a 5% fine for every over a team fails to bowl within the allotted time.
Alyssa Healy, the Australian captain, acknowledged the offence and accepted the proposed sanction without the need for a formal hearing. The charge was filed by on-field umpires Vrinda Rathi and Janani Narayanan, along with third umpire Lauren Agenbag and fourth umpire Gayathri Venugopalan.
India Dominates the 2nd ODI
In the second ODI, Australia was handed their heaviest defeat by runs, losing by 102 runs. India’s stellar performance saw Smriti Mandhana scoring her 12th century in ODIs, while bowlers Renuka Thakur and Kranti Goud disrupted the Australian top order. Arundhati Reddy also impressed with her seam bowling, contributing to the dominant win.
However, India’s fielding has raised concerns, with 10 dropped catches across both games, a factor that the team will need to improve before the series decider.
India’s Middle Order Needs to Step Up
With Jemimah Rodrigues sidelined due to illness, the middle order’s performance becomes critical for India. Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Richa Ghosh will be expected to step up in the series decider on Saturday.
Australia Looks to Recover
Australia, determined to bounce back, faces a tough challenge in the final match. Captain Alyssa Healy admitted that the team was “outplayed” but remains optimistic. The return of opener Phoebe Litchfield is expected to strengthen their lineup as they aim to regain dominance in Indian conditions.
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