The West Indies women’s cricket team has been fined 10 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first T20I against Australia at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, Saint Vincent.
Match referee Reon King of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Emirates International Panel imposed the penalty after the hosts were found to be two overs short of the required rate, despite time allowances, the ICC reported.
According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl within the allotted time in minimum over-rate offences.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews admitted the offence and accepted the sanction, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Lauren Agenbag and Jacquline Williams, with support from third umpire Candace La Borde and fourth umpire Maria Abbott.
Australia women secured a 43-run victory over West Indies in the match.
Batting first, Australia posted 164 for six in 20 overs. Beth Mooney scored 79 off 55 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, while Ellyse Perry made 36 off 32 balls with two fours and one six. No other Australian batters exceeded ten runs.
For West Indies, Deandra Dottin took three wickets for 35 runs, Chinelle Henry two for 28, and Jahzara Claxton one for 24.
In reply, West Indies struggled to maintain the required run rate, losing wickets regularly. Opener Qiana Joseph made 45 off 39 deliveries, including seven fours and one six, but the innings ended at 121 for six in 20 overs.
Australia’s bowling attack featured Kim Garth with one wicket for 17 runs, Alana King three for 14, and Georgia Wareham two for 14.
Beth Mooney was named Player of the Match for her half-century.
The two teams will meet in the final T20I on Monday before transitioning to a three-match ODI series in Basseterre.