The Indian women’s cricket team has been fined five percent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over rate during their recent ODI World Cup clash against Australia in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. India lost the tightly contested match by three wickets, with a high-scoring encounter ending in Australia’s favor. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), India fell one over short of the required target after allowances for stoppages and delays were considered. Team captain Harmanpreet Kaur accepted the sanction and pleaded guilty to the offence, making a formal hearing unnecessary. The ICC confirmed, “Michell Periera of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction as India were ruled to be one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration." The charge was initiated by on-field umpires Sue Redfern and Nimali Perera, with third umpire Kim Cotton and fourth umpire Jacquline Williams also involved. In line with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, the team faces a fine of five per cent of match fees for every over not bowled within the allotted time. Read also: Harmanpreet Kaur blames lower order for loss vs Australia Upcoming challenge: India braces for England India will now focus on their crucial must-win encounter against England on Sunday in Indore. Maintaining pace in over rates will be pivotal, given the stakes and the ICC’s strict enforcement. The team’s management and players are aware that repeat offences could lead to higher penalties under ICC regulations. The Visakhapatnam match highlighted both India’s batting strength and over-rate management issues. While the team posted competitive totals and displayed aggressive strokeplay, time management during bowling innings emerged as a decisive factor. Analysts note that over-rate discipline is now equally vital as runs and wickets in tournament strategy. As preparations intensify for the England clash, India’s focus will remain on efficiency in the field, tactical bowling changes, and strict adherence to ICC time allowances to avoid further fines and maintain competitive advantage.