India opener Pratika Rawal has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI against England, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Friday.
The incident involved two instances of avoidable physical contact. In the 18th over of the match, Rawal made unnecessary contact with England bowler Lauren Filer while taking a run. A similar incident occurred shortly after, when Rawal, on her way back to the dressing room after being dismissed, brushed past bowler Sophie Ecclestone.
As a result, Rawal has received a demerit point—the first on her disciplinary record within a 24-month period.
The ICC also penalised the England women’s team, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, for maintaining a slow over-rate. The team was found to be one over short of the target and fined five per cent of their match fees, in accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Despite the disciplinary actions, Rawal made headlines for her on-field exploits with the bat. Alongside Smriti Mandhana, she helped script a historic milestone by becoming part of the highest average partnership in Women’s ODIs. The pair stitched together a crucial 48-run stand in just eight overs, guiding India to a four-wicket victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.
Their last partnership has also elevated them to second place on the all-time list of most successful partnerships in Women’s ODIs (minimum 1,000 partnership runs).
After winning the first ODI, India will look to carry this winning momentum into the second ODI and secure the series, while England will be determined to bounce back and draw level.
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