Slow over-rate costs Windies after thrilling ODI win

West Indies’ thrilling two-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final One Day International has been tempered by a five per cent match-fee fine for maintaining a slow over-rate.

The issue has been a recurring one for West Indies in recent times.

Despite the win in the day/night encounter on Tuesday at Kensington Oval, New Zealand secured a 3-2 series win, with the regional side now switching format and focus, as they prepare to oppose Pakistan in a two Test series, which gets underway at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Saturday.

Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction, after Shai Hope’s side was ruled to be one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players,  which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee, for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Hope pled guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

(KH)