Twitter reacts hilariously after WI docked six WTC points for slow over-rate vs SA during the final of same tournament

The inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) Final is being played between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The game has gone into the reserve day thanks to all the rain that has spoiled the excitement. At the same time, another Test series which is part of the WTC Cycle took place between West Indies and South Africa in the Caribbean island.

The Proteas won the two-match Test series comfortably with the second game ending on the fourth day itself. West Indies were set a target of 324 runs and they crumbled for just 165 runs to concede the Test. After the game, the match referee ruled the hosts were fined heavily for slow over-rate. They were found to be three overs short of the target and a fine of 60% match fee was imposed.

Moreover, West Indies were also penalised six ICC WTC points. It was done in accordance with Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions which states, ‘a side is penalised two points for each over short.’

Fans flummoxed over points docking when WTC Final is in progress

After the news of West Indies being fined was made public, the fans were flummoxed to know about their WTC Points being docked. Many questioned the significance of doing so when the Final of the inaugural season was already in progress in England. Though the standings changed a bit, nothing made the difference for the Kraigg Brathwaite-led side.

The overall structure of the WTC has been questioned time and again and ICC has once again come under the radar for the same. The fans have asked what is the point of two teams playing a series under WTC when a final is already being played somewhere else.

To make things worse, the final has also been marred by a lot of rain which has led to questions being raised on the scheduling. While some of the fans reacted hilariously, some raised valid questions of ICC on Twitter over the matter.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

West Indies docked six points for the 2019-21 cycle of the WTC by the ICC for a slow over-rate – major blow to their chances of reaching the final https://t.co/NZeHjMqjE3

— Matt Roller (@mroller98) June 22, 2021

For slow over rate against South Africa, West Indies have been docked 6 points in the World Test Championship table…for which the final is taking place between India and New Zealand as we speak.

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) June 22, 2021

The WTC final is going on, its fifth day, no less. And West Indies have been penalised six of their WTC points for a slow over rate against SA in the second Test. #WTC21final #INDvNZ #SAvWI

— Vishal Dikshit (@Vishal1686) June 22, 2021

Damn how will they reach the final now https://t.co/kHXekWqF8v

— Xi Simping (@micky864) June 22, 2021

West Indies lose six WTC points because of slow over rates in the Second #WIvSA Test. These points relate to the 2019-21 WTC in which the final is currently in progress. https://t.co/tEhkgxqrmM

— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) June 23, 2021

Yes, with these deductions now their chances are almost over to qualify for the #WTCFinal2021 #WIvSA

— Hamadullah Sohu (@cricsohu) June 22, 2021

Without them 6 points I think they could of been at Southampton right now

— Joe🪔 (@Joe_1879) June 22, 2021

Some of cricket little rules/regulations are just funny. Sure it gives somebody some job satisfaction. 🧐🤣🏏

— Rágnár Ván Töndérsön (@Slipcatch) June 22, 2021