It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Team India as they find themselves in hot water after being penalized heavily for maintaining a slow over rate during the first ODI against New Zealand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Rohit Sharma-led side was three overs short of their target, which resulted in the imposition of a 60% fine on the match fee.
But, before you all jump to conclusions, let’s remember that the fine was imposed by match referee Javagal Srinath, who took time allowances into consideration before deciding on the amount of the fine. And, in a show of sportsmanship, skipper Rohit Sharma willingly accepted the fine, saving the team from an official hearing.
Now, as for the game, it was a high-scoring thriller that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The Indian bowlers had a tough time dealing with New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell, who scored 140 runs off just 78 balls, including 12 fours and ten sixes at a dazzling strike rate of 179.48. He took the game deep but couldn’t get the visitors over the line as the Tom Latham unit fell short by just 12 runs.
But, the real star of the game was India opener Shubman Gill, who struck a heroic double century. He became the youngest double centurion in men’s ODIs courtsey of his phenomenal knock, scoring 19 fours and nine mammoth sixes, and batting at a strike rate of 139.59.
