ICC saps heavy fines on India and West Indies for slow over rates in thrilling T20I opener

India and West Indies faced heavy fines from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for maintaining slow over rates during the first T20I between the two sides at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on August 3. The hosts secured a thrilling 4-run victory in the series opener, defending a modest total of 149 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Both teams failed to reach the minimum over rate required, resulting in India being fined 5 percent of their match fees for their sluggishness during the West Indies innings, while the hosts faced a 10 percent fine for falling two overs short. Match referee Richie Richardson imposed the penalties after considering the time limit.

The captains of both teams, Hardik Pandya for India and Rovman Powell for West Indies pleaded guilty and accepted the charges, obviating the need for a formal hearing. The Indian players were fined 5 percent of their match fees, and the West Indies players were penalized 10 percent for their respective offenses.

In the match, West Indies managed to put up a challenging total of 149/6 in 20 overs, thanks to captain Powell's quickfire 48 and Nicholas Pooran's brilliant knock of 41 runs. Despite India's star-studded batting lineup, the home side's disciplined bowling effort restricted them to 145/9, securing the win.

Debutant Tialk Varma impressed with a 22-ball 39 and combined with Suryakumar Yadav (21) to keep India in contention during the chase. However, a minor collapse followed as the dismissal of the duo was followed by failures from Hardik (19), Sanju Samson (12), and Axar Patel (13). India needed 37 runs in the last five overs but failed to achieve the target as they ran out of overs.