Despite 2-1 triumph, India penalised in ODI series against South Africa

India wrapped up the three-match ODI series against South Africa 2-1, but their victory came with a minor setback off the field. The team was fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during the second ODI at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.

India lost that game by four wickets, allowing South Africa to level the series 1-1 before KL Rahul’s men bounced back with a nine-wicket win in Visakhapatnam to clinch the series.

Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, players are docked five per cent of their match fee for every over their team fails to bowl in the allotted time. India were found two overs short once the allowances were factored in, leading to a 10 per cent fine.

On-field umpires Rod Tucker and Rohan Pandit, alongside third umpire Sam Nogajski and fourth umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal, levelled the charge. Match referee Richie Richardson imposed the sanction.

Rahul accepted the offence and the proposed



punishment, meaning no formal hearing was required.

India’s batting firepower was on full display across the series. Virat Kohli was the standout, finishing as the series’ top scorer with 302 runs, including two centuries and a half-century, signalling a return to form at the crease.

Meanwhile, youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal announced himself in style with an unbeaten 116 in the decider, steering India comfortably to the target with composure and class.

With the ball, India’s attack showed enough penetration and control - spinners and pacers shared wickets and kept pressure on South Africa’s middle order. In the field, the team generally maintained discipline and applied pressure, which underpinned their fightback after setbacks.

India will next face South Africa in a five-match T20I series, beginning Tuesday, December 9, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The remaining fixtures will be played in Mullanpur, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad on December 11, 14, 17 and 19 respectively.