Why Was Pratika Fined 10% Match Fee and England Penalised?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pratika Rawal fined 10% for level one offence.
- England penalised 5% for slow over-rate.
- ICC maintains strict enforcement of over-rate rules.
- India leads the series 1-0 after a thrilling victory.
- Next match set at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground.
New Delhi, July 18 (NationPress) After India's impressive four-wicket victory over England in the opening ODI match at Southampton, opener Pratika Rawal has incurred a deduction of 10 percent of her match fee due to a level one violation. Concurrently, the England team has faced a five percent reduction in their match fee for a slow over-rate.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Pratika's penalty stemmed from two distinct incidents occurring in quick succession.
During the 18th over of India's innings, Pratika unintentionally made physical contact with fast bowler Lauren Filer while attempting to take a single. Additionally, after her dismissal in the following over, she again made similar avoidable contact with left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone as she returned to the dressing room.
In addition to the fine, Pratika has received one demerit point on her disciplinary record, marking her first offence in a 24-month span.
In the meantime, England's penalty for slow over-rate was issued after they were found to have bowled one over short of the required target, even after accounting for time allowances.
According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, players incur a fine of five percent of their match fee for every over their team fails to bowl within the allotted timeframe.
“Rawal and England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt accepted their respective sanctions imposed by match referee Sarah Bartlett, eliminating the need for a formal hearing,” the ICC stated in its announcement.
Turning to the match at the Utilita Bowl, England scored 258/6, with standout performances from Sophia Dunkley, who made 83, and Alice Davidson-Richards, who contributed a solid fifty. India found themselves in a precarious position at 124/4 during their chase.
However, veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma secured victory with an unbeaten 62, complemented by a 90-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, who added 48, while Amanjot Kaur chipped in with 20 not out, guiding India to triumph with 10 balls remaining.
With this win, India leads the three-match ODI series 1-0, and the next clash is set to take place at the renowned Lord's Cricket Ground on Saturday.