England fined for slow over-rate in 4th T20I against India

England have been fined 20 per cent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the fourth T20I against India in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Eoin Morgan’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 and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Morgan pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires KN Ananthapadmanabhan, Nitin Menon, and third umpire Virendar Sharma leveled the charges.

Series set for a sensational decider

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated five-match T20I series has reached its climax with the contest tied at 2-2. The decider is expected to thrill the fans. It has been a roller-coaster ride for both the sides as they have won alternate matches. The series between India and England has lived up to its billing and the hosts will now be hoping to keep the winning momentum going.

They surprisingly defended the total after losing the toss and did it well bowling well with the wet ball. Though England got close chasing, India were ahead in the last few overs always thanks to their bowlers picking wickets at regular intervals.

The visitors, on the other hand, will be disappointed that they couldn’t seal the series in the previous game. Nevertheless, an away series win, especially in India, will do a world of good to their confidence in a World Cup year which is to be played in the same country later this year.

Eoin Morgan and Virat Kohli both will be hoping that their troops will step up to the task and close the series on a winning note. Expect this to be the best face-off among all five matches of the series.