South Africa fined for slow over-rate in fourth ODI

South Africa finally managed to beat India in the ongoing six-match ODI series in Johannesburg on Saturday in the Pink ODI. They chased down the target of 202 runs which was revised after a lengthy rain interruption in the evening during the chase. The hosts are still alive as they can level the series now by winning the last couple of matches. However, they were fined for slow over-rate in the first innings after playing an all-pace attack in the must-win encounter.

India decided to bat first after winning the toss and posted a decent total of 289 runs on the board in 50 overs on the back of a stupendous century from Shikhar Dhawan. The skipper Virat Kohli also contributed 75 runs and looked in supreme touch once again. In reply, South Africa’s target was revised to 202 in 28 overs due to rain which they gunned down in the 26th over thanks to a sensational assault from David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen.

How much is the fine?

International Cricket Council revealed the news of South Africa being fined for the poor over-rate on its official website through a press release. Andy Pycroft, the match referee, imposed the fine on the hosts as they were one over short of their target when the time allowances were taken into consideration. The skipper Aiden Markram was fined 20 percent of his match fees while his teammates had to let go of 10 percent of theirs.

If Proteas commit such an offence again in the next 12 months with Markram leading the side, he will face the suspension. Markram pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the sanction due to which the formal hearing wasn’t needed. The charges on the home side were levelled by the on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Bongani Jele, third umpire Ian Gould, and fourth umpire Shaun George.

The fifth ODI of the series will be played on February 13 at St. George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.

Keep following CricTracker for more news on SAvIND series.